Opposition leader María Corina Machado was released on Thursday after a brief detention during a protest in eastern Caracas. Her political party, Vente Venezuela, confirmed the release, accusing security forces of detaining her amidst gunfire as she left the rally.
The protest was part of nationwide demonstrations aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro ahead of his controversial third-term inauguration on Friday. Machado, making her first public appearance in months, had urged citizens to take to the streets and support opposition leader Edmundo González, whom the opposition claims won last year’s disputed presidential election.
Detention Sparks Outcry
Machado’s detention drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders and international governments. Former presidential candidate Edmundo González called for her immediate release, while U.S. officials and other leaders denounced the incident.
During her detention, Machado was allegedly coerced into recording videos, according to a statement from Vente Venezuela. Machado later posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’m in a safe place now and with more determination than ever,” promising to elaborate on the incident during Friday’s events.
Government officials, however, denied any involvement. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed the detention claims as an opposition ploy to garner international support. “They lie to say the government had captured María Corina,” Cabello stated, accusing her of staging the videos herself.
Both Maduro’s government and the opposition claim victory in last year’s presidential election. However, the electoral council and Venezuela’s high court, both dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared him the winner without releasing detailed vote tallies.
The opposition, led by González, published their own tallies, claiming he won by a significant margin. International observers, including the U.S.-based Carter Center, supported the opposition’s figures.
The disputed results have fueled nationwide unrest, with thousands taking to the streets to protest. Security forces have responded with heavy crackdowns, detaining over 2,000 protesters since the election, according to local advocacy groups.
Opposition Defiance and Government Crackdowns
Machado, 57, has been a vocal critic of Maduro and a prominent advocate for peaceful protests. Before her detention, she urged military and police personnel to acknowledge González’s victory.
“Let no one be in doubt, what they do tomorrow marks the end of the regime,” Machado declared at the rally.
Protests on Thursday were met with a swift and forceful response from security forces in various cities, including Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia. Tear gas and motorcycle-mounted security personnel dispersed demonstrators in several locations.
Despite the crackdown, opposition supporters vowed to continue their fight. “I’m not afraid, I lost my fear a long time ago,” said Neglis Payares, a 70-year-old retired central bank worker who joined protests in western Caracas.
The international community has largely condemned the Maduro administration for suppressing dissent. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for González, calling him the “true winner” of the election.
Meanwhile, Maduro prepares to be sworn in for a third term on Friday, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses. His administration, which enjoys strong backing from the armed forces and intelligence services, has accused the opposition of plotting fascist conspiracies and seeking foreign intervention.
González, currently in exile in Spain, has pledged to return to Venezuela despite threats of arrest. Machado also faces legal scrutiny, with ongoing investigations by the attorney general, though no public arrest warrant has been issued against her.
The government’s crackdown on opposition leaders and activists continues, with 16 people detained during Thursday’s protests, according to Foro Penal.
Venezuelans abroad have also rallied in solidarity, including a protest in Madrid where González’s daughter, Carolina González, addressed demonstrators. “My dad sends a hug to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
