Venezuelans in Canada express mixed emotions after Maduro's capture

Venezuelans in Canada reported mixed reactions after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face charges; community leaders called for legal accountability and raised concerns about political prisoners.

Many Venezuelans living in Canada are reacting with mixed emotions after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and transferred them to New York to face charges. The operation, ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump, has prompted questions about international law and the future of Venezuela. Some community leaders praised the removal as a step toward accountability and urged legal proceedings. Others voiced fear for political prisoners and concern about how a transition of power will be managed. Key points: - U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and brought them to New York on criminal charges, a move that has drawn international attention. - Rebecca Sarfatti of the Canada Venezuela Democracy Forum described removing Maduro as a significant step and called for him to face legal accountability. - Families and community members, including Igor Marín, expressed fear for the safety and treatment of political prisoners such as Lt. Col. Igbert Marín Chaparro, whom the UN working group has previously deemed arbitrarily detained. - Community representatives in British Columbia described "cautious optimism" while warning that removing one leader does not dismantle the wider governing apparatus and noting concerns about how interim leadership might be chosen. Summary: The capture has prompted both hope for legal accountability and concern about consequences for political prisoners and the broader political transition in Venezuela. Community groups in Canada are emphasizing the need for legal processes and attention to human rights. Undetermined at this time.