Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said on Tuesday October 12 that Spain
"offends"
America's memory by celebrating its national day on October 12, the day of Christopher Columbus' arrival, because this date marks the
"genocide"
indigenous peoples.
"It is an offense to all of America that the King of Spain still celebrates on October 12, the day on which America's colonialism and the greatest genocide in history began, by celebrating it as a day public holiday, like a so-called day of civilization, ”
said Nicolás Maduro.
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During a speech in front of his supporters gathered in front of the presidential palace of Miraflores, he indicated that he would make public
"a letter to the King of Spain"
in which he will share,
"with great respect"
,
" reflections from the heart of our people ”
. According to him, this letter will reflect the indignation experienced by the indigenous peoples.
Spain celebrates its national holiday on October 12, also called “Hispanic Day”, which commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America in 1492. In Venezuela, since 2002 under the presidency of the late Hugo Chavez (1999- 2013), this date became “Indigenous Resistance Day”.
A parade was organized in Caracas.
"We join the voices that have been raised in America to demand that the King of Spain rectify his position, that he reflect and beg America's forgiveness for the 300-year genocide
,
"
added Nicolás Maduro.