STOCKHOLM — On Saturday, January 10, 2026, hundreds of demonstrators converged on Odenplan Square in the Swedish capital to protest two major international conflicts: the United States' recent military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and Israel's alleged resumption of military strikes on Gaza in violation of a fragile ceasefire.
The rally, organized by multiple civil society groups, highlighted growing global outrage over what participants described as violations of international law and sovereignty. Protesters carried banners condemning "imperialist aggression" in Venezuela and "genocidal actions" in Gaza, with slogans calling for an end to military interventions, the release of Maduro and Flores, and respect for Palestinian rights. Chants and placards demanded that Israel halt operations in Gaza and urged the US to withdraw its influence from the Caribbean region.
Swedish activist Sigrun Meder, speaking to Anadolu Agency at the event, emphasized the dual focus of the protest. She condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating: “While we witness this horrific genocide taking place before our eyes in Palestine, we see how tents are destroyed by storms. Even though there is supposedly a ceasefire in Gaza right now, the bombings continue, and many people are being killed.” Meder further criticized perceived double standards in international law enforcement, noting: “The only country that is forced to comply with international law is Russia, but when it comes to the US, the West, or Israel, they can do whatever they want, and international law is ignored. We are the ones who defend international law in the streets and squares. We defend democracy, and we defend human rights. We stand with Palestine, we stand with Venezuela.”
The demonstration reflects widespread discontent in Europe and beyond following the US-led Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026. US special forces conducted a nighttime raid in Caracas, capturing Maduro and Flores amid airstrikes on military targets. President Donald Trump authorized the operation, citing longstanding federal indictments against Maduro for narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, and related charges. Trump later declared that the US would temporarily "run" Venezuela, including its oil assets, during a transition period to rebuild infrastructure and ensure stability.
Maduro and Flores were transported to a US warship before being flown to New York. On January 5, 2026, they appeared in a federal court in Manhattan, where they pleaded not guilty to all charges. Maduro, in handcuffs and an orange jumpsuit, maintained his innocence and claimed to remain Venezuela's legitimate leader. The action has sparked protests worldwide, with critics labeling it an illegal abduction of a sitting head of state, while supporters view it as enforcement of US law against alleged criminal activities.
In Venezuela, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as acting president by the National Assembly, with the Venezuelan Supreme Court describing the US raid as a "kidnapping." The interim administration has released some political prisoners and initiated exploratory talks to restore diplomatic relations with Washington, though tensions persist.
Regarding Gaza, demonstrators accused Israel of breaching a ceasefire that took effect on October 10, 2025, following intense mediation efforts involving the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. The truce, part of a broader phased agreement, included halting hostilities, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and increased humanitarian aid. However, reports indicate ongoing violence, with mutual accusations of violations. Protesters highlighted continued airstrikes, destruction of temporary shelters by weather events amid restrictions, and high civilian casualties, framing these as evidence of non-compliance.
The Stockholm rally joins a series of similar demonstrations across Europe, the US, and Latin America in response to the Venezuela operation and persistent Gaza concerns. It underscores a growing movement linking criticisms of US foreign policy in Latin America with solidarity for Palestinians, amid broader debates on sovereignty, international law, and humanitarian crises.
As the situations in both Venezuela and Gaza evolve—with Maduro in US custody facing trial, interim governance in Caracas, and fragile truce dynamics in the Middle East—the protests signal continued public pressure on global powers to adhere to legal and ethical standards.
