Venezuelans residing in London expressed a mix of relief and uncertainty following the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. and subsequent invasion of Venezuela. Many described the news as a cause for celebration after years of enduring the dictatorship, with some noting that it was a joyous occasion for most Venezuelans in the UK. However, there is also significant apprehension regarding the future, particularly due to perceived confusion in statements made by U.S. officials.
Venezuelan business owners in London, like Ernesto Moreno, owner of Arepa & Co, hope that the removal of Maduro will pave the way for a swift transition and new elections to establish a legitimate government. Moreno acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the capture but emphasized the undeniable positive impact for Venezuelans longing for an end to the oppressive regime. Another London resident, Giovan D’Isidoro, who relocated with his family in 2015 due to the situation in Venezuela, shared similar sentiments of hope tempered with concern that Maduro's associates might attempt to retain power. David Gutiérrez, founder of GUASA group, views Maduro's capture as the dawn of a new era, signaling the end of widespread corruption and profound national problems in Venezuela, despite the current uncertainty.
The founder of the charity Healing Venezuela, Cinzia De Santis, also experienced a great sense of relief but felt a pang of sadness that external intervention was necessary to resolve Venezuela's internal issues, acknowledging that democratic avenues had been exhausted. She contrasted the treatment of Maduro and his wife by U.S. authorities with the documented torture and mistreatment of prisoners under Maduro's regime. Nicolás Maduro himself appeared in a New York City courtroom, declaring his innocence and asserting his status as a "decent man" while pleading not guilty to federal narco-terrorism charges. His arraignment marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle, with his next court date scheduled for March 17. U.S. officials have indicated that the U.S. will not govern Venezuela directly, beyond enforcing an existing oil quarantine.