Key facts
- Thousands protested nationwide on Thursday demanding free elections.
- This was the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years.
- US-backed talks between opposition and interim government are ongoing.
- Over 320 political prisoners are reportedly held in Venezuela.
Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets on Thursday in the first nationwide opposition protest in nearly two years, demanding free elections and other political changes. The United States has been working closely with the interim government led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Both US President Donald Trump and Rodriguez have said there will be elections, but have not set a date. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose movement organized the protest, has stated elections must take place by July 2027. Demonstrators also called for the release of prisoners they say are held for political reasons, with legal rights group Foro Penal stating there are still more than 320 political prisoners in Venezuela.