‘Big step forwards’: emboldened activists take to the streets of Venezuela
The Guardian World
by Tom Phillips in Rio de Janeiro and María de los Ángeles Graterol in CaracasFebruary 12, 2026
Protesters are enjoying greater freedom of expression since Nicolás Maduro’s downfall despite lack of regime change
Protesters have taken to the streets of cities across Venezuela in the latest sign of an embryonic political shift after Nicolás Maduro’s recent downfall.
Student demonstrators gathered on the campus of the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on Thursday to demand the release of all of the country’s political prisoners, the return of exiled activists and a full transition to democracy. “Who are we? Venezuela! What do we want? Freedom!” they shouted.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/12/2026