Minot protest opposes U.S. actions toward Venezuela

Wendy Harper/MDN Demonstrators along the sidewalk outside Town & Country Mall in Minot hold up signs during a protest Sunday, Jan. 4, opposing U.S. actions toward Venezuela. An estimated 20-30 people attended.

A protest opposing potential U.S. military action against Venezuela was held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 4, on the sidewalk outside Town & Country Mall in Minot, drawing an estimated 20-30 participants.

Called an emergency protest, it was organized by the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and Code Pink North Dakota, with participants calling on the federal government to halt what organizers described as an unlawful act of war.

Shay Todd, with the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition, addressed the crowd, describing the event as a peaceful demonstration intended to draw attention to what Todd called the administration’s newest act of war.

“This action attacks civilian and military places before kidnapping the country’s president,” Todd said.

Todd accused the U.S. government of committing criminal acts, including the killing of civilians and fishermen, the seizure of oil tankers and an invasion of Venezuela. Todd said the actions were not related to drug trafficking or the promotion of democracy, but rather an effort to control oil resources.

Wendy Harper/MDN Demonstrators line the sidewalks outside Town & Country Mall in Minot during a protest Sunday, Jan. 4.

Todd acknowledged criticism of Venezuelan leadership while condemning the alleged U.S. actions.

“Two things can be true at the same time,” Todd said. “Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro can be considered a dictator deserving of criticism, and it is also true that this act was undemocratic, illegal, did not receive approval of Congress, and carries huge risks and consequences on a global scale.”

Todd said uncertainty remains regarding what may follow, raising concerns about the possibility of a prolonged conflict.

“We don’t need another forever war,” Todd said. Todd encouraged participants to continue sharing opposition through phone calls, emails and public demonstrations. “We must demand no blood for oil, no war with Venezuela.”

The demonstration concluded with safety reminders for attendees, including remaining on sidewalks, avoiding traffic areas and ignoring hecklers or opposing protesters. Volunteers wearing yellow vests were available to assist with concerns.

: Wendy Harper/MDN Demonstrators along the sidewalk outside Town & Country Mall in Minot hold up signs during a protest Sunday, Jan. 4, opposing U.S. actions toward Venezuela. An estimated 20-30 people attended.