Old clip misrepresented as supporters of ousted Venezuelan leader demanding his release
- Published on January 10, 2026 at 09:36
- 2 min read
- By Sachin BAGHEL, AFP India
Supporters of deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro held a rally in Caracas demanding his release after he was captured by US commandos in January 2026, but footage circulating online does not show the demonstration. The video dates back to November 2025 and actually shows an event in which Maduro himself was present.
"Protests continue today in the streets of Venezuela's capital Caracas demanding the immediate release of President Nicolas Maduro," reads the Hindi-language X post shared on January 6, 2026.
The attached 30-second video shows a rally with people waving Venezuelan flags.
Thousands of people marched through Caracas on January 4 in support of Maduro after US commandos captured him and his wife Cilia Flores and flew them to the United States (archived link).
Maduro's former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, was sworn in as interim president. US President Donald Trump said he is willing to work with her, as long as she submits to his demands on providing US companies access to Venezuela's massive oil reserves (archived link).
Similar posts also spread on Facebook, X and Instagram, and in languages such as Greek and Spanish.
But the video in the false posts does not show a rally demanding Maduro's release.
A Google reverse image search using keyframes led to a video posted on TikTok on November 14, 2025 showing the same scene (archived link).
The TikTok user also uploaded another clip of the rally, showing the same trucks and building (archived link).
CNN reported the rally was held on November 13, 2025 for the nation's youth, which was also attended by Maduro (archived link). AFP has distributed pictures of the Venezuelan leader at the demonstration.
AFP has debunked other misinformation about Maduro's capture here.
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