Arrest of Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Sparks Tensions in Venezuela
Venezuela’s opposition leader, María Corina Machado, was taken into custody on Thursday following her participation in a protest rally in Caracas, according to a source close to the leader.
Details of the arrest were shared by Machado’s team on the social network X, stating that she was “violently intercepted” while leaving the rally and that troops had fired at the motorcycles transporting her.
Protest Against President Nicolás Maduro’s Inauguration
Machado had emerged from hiding to lead the protest against the inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro, which is set to take place on Friday. The opposition leader was seen dressed in white, carrying a flag, and standing on a truck as she addressed the crowd in the Chacao commercial neighborhood of Caracas.
Machado’s last public appearance was on August 28. During the rally, she expressed her solidarity with the protesters, stating, “Today all of Venezuela took to the streets. We are not afraid!”
Parallel March in Support of Maduro
Meanwhile, supporters of Chavismo organized a parallel march to show their support for Maduro, who is set to assume his third consecutive six-year term amidst controversy and international condemnation.
The opposition has accused Maduro of “stealing” the July 28 elections and claims that Edmundo González Urrutia is the rightful winner. González Urrutia is currently in the Dominican Republic, attempting to return to Venezuela to assume power, although the plan seems unlikely.