‘A lot of work to do’: expats weigh return to Venezuela
Political prisoners languish behind bars and corruption continues to run rampant, but Venezuelans in Australia hope the infrastructure of a democratic society can be built in their own country.
Celebrations and protests were held in Australia after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was captured during the US’s large-scale military attack.
While groups opposed to the Trump administration’s intervention called the move illegal, others cheered that Maduro’s removal could open a path to human rights and political freedom.
Australian Venezuelan Association president Genesis Lindstrom said expats had “mixed emotions” triggered by uncertainty as they considered their future.
“There is a lot of work to be done when it comes to building the infrastructure that forms the social fabric of our country,” he told AAP.
“There is a lot of healing that needs to happen within Venezuelan society.
“I think a lot of people will come back.”
There are an estimated 10,000 people of Venezuelan descent in Australia, according to 2021 census data.
Ms Lindstrom, who lives in Melbourne, moved to Australia with her family in 2009 as her parents became increasingly concerned about an increase in kidnappings and robberies.
“Whatever the outcome, we seek an autonomous, free and democratic nation for all Venezuelans,” he said.
“We want the release of all political prisoners, people arbitrarily detained and without the right to trial.
“It’s really hard to think about what’s going to happen next… but my hope is that we’re on the path to freedom in our country and the reunion of families.”
The 32-year-old said much of the media coverage focused on issues of geopolitics, leaving aside the lived experiences of the public.
“One thing that has always been present in Venezuelan societies is a thirst for freedom of expression and the fight for what we want for our nation,” Ms. Lindstrom said.
“This shows that whether you were born in a democratic country or not, this is an inherent right and freedom that we all deserve.”
As justification for the action, US President Donald Trump claimed that Venezuela had seized and stolen American oil, assets and platforms.
However, Venezuelan economists dispute these claims.
Mr. Trump has warned that the United States could launch a second attack on Venezuela if the government does not cooperate.
The American president said that Venezuela will “transfer” up to 50 million barrels of oil to his country and that they will be sold at market prices for the benefit of the people of both countries.
International law experts have questioned the legality of the US intervention.
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