Protesters gathered outside the United States consulate in Edinburgh on Saturday, demanding the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and condemning what they termed US military aggression.
Voices from the Demonstration
The demonstration on Regent Street, organised by Stop the War Scotland with backing from the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and solidarity campaigns, saw calls for global leaders to intervene. Linda Somerville, STUC deputy general secretary, addressed the crowd, stating the movement's "absolute backing" for Venezuela's sovereignty and its right to self-determination.
"We are completely opposed to the military aggression and intervention in Venezuela, which has seen the kidnapping of their president and the first lady," Somerville said. She urged all politicians, particularly the UK Prime Minister, to condemn the acts which she said broke international law.
Calls for Scottish Government Action
A key demand from the protesters was for the Scottish Government to suspend its co-operation with the US Government. Sophie Johnson, secretary of Stop the War Scotland, accused the Trump administration of "open acts of military aggression and imperial domination."
Johnson criticised the UK Government for "meekly bowing to US power" and demanded it dissociate itself from the actions. She specifically called on First Minister John Swinney to end ongoing trade talks with the US until aggression ceases and international law is upheld.
"Failure to confront Trump today will mean threats continue to multiply," Johnson warned, arguing for a powerful anti-war movement to hold leaders accountable.
UK and Scottish Government Responses
The protest follows the seizure of the Venezuelan-linked vessel Bella-1 (formerly Marinera) in the Atlantic. The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF surveillance aircraft and the naval supply ship RFA Tideforce assisted the US-led operation on Wednesday, following a request. US special operations aircraft also landed at Wick John O'Groats Airport in the Highlands as part of the mission, though Defence Secretary John Healey stated no British personnel boarded the vessel.
First Minister John Swinney clarified that the Scottish Government was not involved in the operation, describing it as relating "entirely to reserved functions." He expressed concern over not being fully informed, stating it was "important that the Scottish Government is fully sighted on what measures and interventions are happening in and around our waters."
A Scottish Government spokesperson reiterated that the First Minister had set out his position and that the government would "continue to protect and promote the interests of the people of Scotland at all times."
