ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Venezuela Thursday night launched a campaign designed to mount international pressure regarding the return of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were detained by the United States (US) when it invaded the South American country on January 3 this year.

The Venezuelan Embassy in Antigua said that the campaign is being conducted under the hashtag, #BringThemBack with Ambassador Carmen Velasquez describing the US invasion as a “sad day” in the history of her country.

The Maduros have pleaded not guilty to drug and weapons charges and are due to make another court appearance in a Federal Court in New York in March 17. Maduro insists that he was kidnapped by the United States with President Donald Trump indicating that Washington will “run” the country for foreseeable future.

“I would like to thank you for your presence here tonight, so that together in prayer, we can send a strong message for peace and dialogue to prevail in Venezuela, Latin America and the Caribbean. Very importantly, let us pray for the swift and safe return of President Nicholas Maduro and Cilia Flores to Venezuela,” Velasquez said.

The Venezuelan diplomat said she was in Caracas on the night of the US military action and was at her home in the same area when she was awaken by the sound of explosions.

She said she her first thought was that the sound came from a fireworks display, but as the explosions continued she looked outside her window to see the explosions and she heard the helicopters overhead.

The Venezuelan diplomat also spoke of seeing drones firing rockets at various targets. Among the audience on Thursday were the Cuban Ambassador, Sergio Martinez, the new Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei, local diplomats and members of the Venezuelan community in Antigua and Barbuda.

The Cuban diplomat, who addressed the event, thanked his Venezuelan counterpart for organising the event as a mark of respect for those who died “defending the sovereignty of Venezuela”.

Martinez described the US military action in Venezuela as “a brutal attack” adding that those who were killed will not be forgotten.

Pastor James Warner of the All Saints Fellowship of Believers offered prayers for Venezuela and its people as the members of the audience lit candles and held them up as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives and for the safe return of the Maduros.

The Embassy said it has opened a book of condolences and is inviting members of the public to sign it as a show of solidarity with the people of Venezuela.