Protests Erupt Against Maduro's Election Victory

On August 17, 2024, protests erupted globally against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro following disputed election results where he claimed victory with 52% of the vote. In Nashville, Tennessee, hundreds rallied at Centennial Park as part of the 'Por La Verdad' movement, demanding respect for the electoral process that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez claims he won. Similar demonstrations were organized in Charleston and Idaho Falls, showcasing a unified call for truth and justice amid ongoing violence and unrest in Venezuela, where at least 25 people have died since the election. María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure, urged supporters to remain united against the regime's attempts to suppress dissent. The Venezuelan diaspora, which numbers around 7.7 million, is mobilizing to raise awareness of the political crisis, with protests occurring in over 300 cities worldwide. The situation remains tense as Maduro's government continues to face accusations of fraud and repression against dissenting voices.