Roger Waters Demands Release of Venezuelan President Maduro and First Lady Flores in Brooklyn Protest

The Pink Floyd co-founder joined activists outside a federal prison where the Venezuelan leaders are being held.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:11am

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of deep red, navy blue, and charcoal grey, conceptually representing the imprisonment of the Venezuelan president.The protest outside the Brooklyn prison where Venezuela's president is being held reflects the ongoing political tensions between the US and Venezuela.Brooklyn Today

On April 13, 2026, which marked Venezuela's National Dignity Day, musician Roger Waters led a protest outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Waters, a vocal critic of Western imperialism, joined activists from groups like Venezuela Solidarity Network and Workers World Party in calling for the leaders' freedom.

Why it matters

The protest highlighted the ongoing political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with the imprisonment of Maduro and Flores seen by many as an act of political persecution by the US government. The timing of the demonstration on Venezuela's National Dignity Day also carried symbolic weight, as it marked the anniversary of the defeat of a 2002 coup attempt against former President Hugo Chávez.

The details

Waters gave a speech outside the federal prison, chanting 'Free Maduro! Free Maduro!' and pointing directly at the building where the Venezuelan president and first lady are being held. The protest was organized by several left-wing and pro-Venezuela groups, who have maintained a constant presence outside the prison since Maduro and Flores were abducted and imprisoned by the US in January 2026.

  • The protest took place on April 13, 2026, which marked Venezuela's National Dignity Day.
  • Maduro and Flores have been imprisoned at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since January 3, 2026.

The players

Roger Waters

The co-founder of the rock band Pink Floyd, who has been a vocal critic of Western imperialism and a supporter of the Venezuelan government.

Nicolás Maduro

The current President of Venezuela, who was imprisoned by the US government in January 2026.

Cilia Flores

The First Lady of Venezuela, who was imprisoned alongside her husband Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.

Venezuela Solidarity Network

A grassroots organization that has been organizing protests and demonstrations demanding the release of Maduro and Flores.

Workers World Party

A left-wing political party that co-organized the protest with other pro-Venezuela groups.

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What they’re saying

“Free Maduro! Free Maduro! Free the leaders!”

— Roger Waters, Musician

“President Maduro, the president of Venezuela, is locked in that building along with Cilia Flores. That is a tragedy and a grave mistake. That is why we are here today, protesting their imprisonment. Free Maduro now!”

— Roger Waters, Musician

What’s next

The judge overseeing the case of Maduro and Flores is expected to rule on whether to grant them bail at a hearing on May 1, 2026.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing political tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with the imprisonment of Maduro and Flores seen by many as an act of political persecution. The demonstration on Venezuela's National Dignity Day also underscores the symbolic importance of the issue and the continued efforts by grassroots organizations to demand the leaders' release.