Allan Appel Photo
Asier Zurimendi wrapped himself in the Venezuelan flag. Literally. He also wore a hat to match.
Zurimendi was one of approximately 75 Venezuelans, young and old, and their supporters from the Greater New Haven area who rallied on the steps of City Hall Saturday afternoon.
“It’s a demonstration against the Venezuelan government, asking for the freedom of [jailed opposition leader] Leopoldo Lopez, and that all the detained students be freed,” he said.
To the beat of drums and the ringing of tambourines, the crowd called for liberty and freedom and expressed frustration at the shortages of basic supplies.
Zurimendi said the event was called to support the protesters in Caracas demonstrating against the current government of Nicolas Maduro.
A small businessman from Stamford, Zurimendi heard about the gathering from his mother. She had picked up the news from social media, including SOS Venezuela, an online gathering spot and purveyor of news about the crisis in the home country.
The demonstration at City Hall was one of at least 75 around the country, and the world, coordinated through social media, Zurimendi said.
The gathering seemed both energized and spontaneous and blocked the sidewalk in front of City Hall.
