Progressive Groups Come in Support of the Venezuelan Government

In an ‘interactive debate about recent events in Venezuela’, in the Venezuelan embassy, His Excellency Augusto Montiel, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to India and Prof. Abdul Nafey from JNU, spoke. Prof Nafey recently visited Caracas, to attend the international gathering of intellectuals, academicians and journalists. The ambassador and Prof Nafey gave us an account of the happenings in Venezuela. Various progressive groups came in support of the Venezuelan government who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis in the country. Earlier Ambassador Montiel talked to Newsclick about the situation in Venezuela. In order to resolve the political impasse, President Maduro has called for the constitution of a constituent assembly that will be responsible for re-drafting the current constitution.

“We are living in an era of fake news”, said Professor Nafey about the biased news which the western media is portraying. He talked about his experiences from Caracas and the popular support that the democratically elected President Maduro enjoys. The violent protests carried out by the opposition, supported by external forces has caused damage to the public property and public life. Professor Nafey talked about how the Article 68 of the Venezuelan constitution ties the hands of the police and allows protesters ample space to protest peacefully. Police is being manhandled and assaulted by the protesters while President Nicolás Maduro has denied permission to the police to attack the protesting people. Professor Nafey reiterated that the people from Venuela have benefitted from the pro poor and progressive policies of the Hugo Chávez government. People still are in support of ‘Chávizmo’ as they fondly call the time and changes brought about by the democratic Chávez government.

Many progressive organisations came in support and to show solidarity with the Venezuelan government. Representatives from CPI(M), AIDWA, SFI, JNUSU, other organisations and students from some centres from JNU came to show their solidarity and presented them with their letters of solidarity. Newsclick also extended its solidarity. The hope resonated by all, by the end of the session was of peace prevailing in the country.