Diosdado Cabello Leads Pro-Maduro Protests Amid Controversy

Diosdado Cabello in the Midst of Maduro Supporter Protests

The Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace in Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, has emerged as a central figure during protests organized by supporters of President Nicolas Maduro, which took place in Caracas on January 6, 2026. Wearing a blue cap emblazoned with the slogan "To bend means to betray," Cabello took to the streets, addressing the crowd before positioning himself in front of a large portrait of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

A Controversial Politician

Cabello, a long-time ally of Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez, is seen by some analysts as one of the most powerful figures in Venezuela, despite Delcy Rodriguez formally taking on the role of interim president. He is accused of suppressing protests and sanctioning media that criticize the government, including through a UN human rights mission in 2024.

Cabello's Background and Career

Born in El Furrial, Cabello has an engineering background and has held multiple positions under Chavez's leadership. He was involved in a failed coup attempt in 1992, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison. After Chavez rose to power, Cabello played a key role in creating grassroots pro-Chavez organizations known as Bolivarian Circles.

Military and Paramilitary Power

Cabello controls paramilitary groups loyal to the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, including the Bolivarian militia. These forces, numbering around 220,000 soldiers, surpass the official armed forces of Venezuela by more than two times. Opposition figures view these groups as a tool of repression.

Serious Accusations

Cabello faces drug trafficking accusations from the United States Department of Justice, alleging his involvement in cocaine trade. However, Maduro and his supporters claim that these accusations are a cover for imperialist threats aimed at Venezuela's massive oil reserves.