On social media platform X, a user Jackson Hinkle shared an image with the caption, Venezuelans FLOOD THE STREETS for President Maduro’s reelection campaign! And further added “GENOCIDE JOE could never.
Fact Check
DFRAC conducted a reverse Google search and upon investigation we landed into an article by ultimasnoticia, a portugese news portal and we found the event in question was actually an anti-imperialist march in Araure, Portuguesa state, Venezuela, not specifically a re-election campaign event. The term “flooded the streets” is exaggerated as the report only mentions a local march in one city. The primary purpose was to protest against the blockade on Venezuela, not solely to support Maduro’s re-election.
Blanca Eekhout from Maduro’s political party led the march and it was organized by Maduro’s supporters to protest against sanctions on Venezuela. The event was part of planning for the July 28 presidential elections. People walked from Puente de la Mujer to 22nd Avenue and the march did occur and demonstrated some level of support for Maduro but the context is misrepresented.
Conclusion
It is clear from DFRAC’s fact check that this claim is false. While a march did happen, but only in one city, not all over Venezuela. It was mainly about protesting sanctions, not just supporting Maduro’s re-election. This was a planned event, not a surprise show of massive support for Maduro’s campaign.
Hence the claim is misleading.
