Brian Ross wrote on Jan 10
th, 2026 at 10:53am:
It is a daily struggle that is typical for Venezuelans, who have for years suffered under economic collapse, hyperinflation and incomes that cannot cover basic needs.
"The rich have become poor, and the middle class has fallen into poverty, and poverty is at its most extreme," says Ms Pérez. "There are many politicians, the so-called 'cronies', who are the only ones who have risen with this government. Everyone, everybody has fallen."
...
State repression in Venezuela can make public opinion difficult to gauge, and speaking to foreign media is risky for Venezuelans.
Many are reluctant to be interviewed, even anonymously, for fear of retribution from the Maduro regime, which remains largely intact and in control.
A state of emergency decree, implemented after the US intervention, orders police to arrest "everyone involved in the promotion or support" for the attack.
There are reports of journalists being detained, and of civilians having their phones searched for anything considered anti-regime.