Mara Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, was detained on Thursday after participating in protests against Nicols Maduros inauguration.The incident occurred as Machado left a demonstration in Caracas, according to her campaign teams spokesperson.
The detention took place on the eve of Maduros swearing-in ceremony for his third consecutive term.Machados team reported that she was violently intercepted while leaving the protest in Chacao.
They claimed that security agents fired at the motorcycles transporting her.This marked Machados first public appearance in months, as she had been in hiding due to political pressure.
Edmundo Gonzlez Urrutia, who replaced Machado as the opposition candidate in the July elections, demanded her immediate release.He warned security forces not to play with fire.
The Chavista regime has not publicly addressed the allegations of Machados detention.
The opposition leader had called for nationwide demonstrations to support Gonzlez.Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Detained Amid Protests.
(Photo Internet reproduction)In addition, several governments recognize him as the rightful president.
These protests aimed to challenge Maduros legitimacy, as the opposition claims fraud in the 2024 elections.International Reactions to Machados DetentionDuring the protest, Machado declared, They tried to confront us, and Venezuela united today.
We are not afraid.
The crowd echoed her sentiment, chanting We are not afraid in response.However, her departure from the protest site was complicated by the enthusiastic crowd.
International condemnation followed swiftly.
Panamas President Jos Ral Mulino demanded Machados release and held the dictatorial regime responsible for her safety.Spains Foreign Ministry expressed total condemnation of the detention, calling for the protection of opposition leaders integrity.
This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela.It underscores the challenges faced by opposition figures in their efforts to challenge Maduros rule.
The international communitys response reflects growing concerns about democratic freedoms and human rights in the country.