Beni, Jakarta – Hundreds of protesters from the Labour Movement with the People (GEBRAK) held a demonstration in front of the United States Embassy in Central Jakarta on Tuesday January 6.
They came from various backgrounds including students, workers, women's groups and civil society organisations, to express their solidarity with Venezuela.
The protesters began gathering at around 1 pm local time in the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) area of the nearby National Monument (Monas). Following this, they marched to the US Embassy carrying banners and posters and calling out various demands.
During the action, participants accused the US of military intervention, a blockade of Venezuela and the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. These actions have resulted in casualties, disrespect for Venezuelan sovereignty and violate international law.
In a press release distributed to the media, GEBRAK stated that the US military attack occurred early Saturday on January 3 in several parts of Venezuela including Caracas, El Higuerote, Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua. The attack was followed by the abduction of President Maduro and his wife.
At least 53 Venezuelans and 27 Cubans were killed in the attack. The protesters accused the US of "piracy" in the Caribbean Sea and the seizure of oil tankers. All of these actions were carried out under the pretext of combating narcotics.
The protesters also accused the United States government of imposing a total oil blockade on Venezuela. They considered this policy a form of economic pressure that violates sovereignty and international law.
GEBRAK also highlighted the impact of the blockade and war on women. They argued that access to food and healthcare was increasingly limited, domestic workloads increased and the risk of sexual violence and structural poverty increased.
"The mentality of war and militarism normalises violence and domination", the statement read.
During the protest action, GEBRAK presented four main demands:
- Rejecting military intervention in Venezuela;
- Demanding the release of President Maduro;
- An end the US economic embargo;
- Ceasing all forms of cooperation considered to strengthen intervention.
The protesters believe that the US's actions violate the United Nations Charter, specifically Article 2 paragraph (4), which prohibits the use of force against the sovereignty of another state.
As of posting this article the protest is still ongoing with demonstrators continuing to give speeches. The US Embassy has not yet issued a statement regarding the protest.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Ratusan Massa GEBRAK Gelar Aksi di Kedubes AS untuk Solidaritas Terhadap Venezuela".]
