Caracas: Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado was released on Thursday, hours after being detained amidst gunfire while leaving a protest in eastern Caracas, according to her Vente Venezuela movement. The detention occurred during nationwide protests aimed at pressuring President Nicolás Maduro ahead of his third inauguration on Friday.
Machado’s detention followed her first public appearance in months, sparking immediate outcry. Former presidential candidate Edmundo González, a close ally, demanded her immediate release. International condemnation also poured in from various governments.
During her brief detention, Machado was reportedly coerced into recording several videos, Vente Venezuela said in a statement, promising to disclose more details soon.
“I’m in a safe place now and with more determination than ever,” Machado posted on X (formerly Twitter) after her release. She added that she would provide a full account of the events on Friday.
Government Denies Role, Labels Claims as Fabrication
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed claims of government involvement, accusing the opposition of staging the incident to garner support.
“They end with the absurdity of absurdities, lying to say the government had captured María Corina,” Cabello said during a ruling party rally in Caracas. He alleged that Machado willingly filmed the videos, one of which showed her sitting on a curb, recounting the loss of her wallet during the detention.
Divided Claims on Election Results
Both the opposition and Maduro’s ruling party assert victory in last year’s presidential election. While Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court declared Maduro the winner, they have yet to publish detailed voting tallies, deepening public skepticism.
The Maduro administration has accused the opposition of orchestrating fascist plots and has targeted prominent figures with arrests in the run-up to the inauguration. González, who fled to Spain in September to evade an arrest warrant for alleged conspiracy, remains a central figure in the opposition.
International Reactions
González, 75, recently toured the Americas, meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser.
“We have and continue to condemn publicly Maduro and his representatives for attempting to intimidate Venezuela’s democratic opposition,” a White House National Security Council spokesperson said. The spokesperson reaffirmed González as the “true winner” of the disputed election.
Machado, 57, had previously called on protesters to peacefully flood the streets and urged security forces to back González’s victory.
“Whatever they do, tomorrow they will finally bury themselves,” Machado said before her detention. “Let no one be in doubt; what they do tomorrow marks the end of the regime.”
Widespread Protests and Clashes
Mass protests erupted across Venezuela, with Reuters estimating 7,000 demonstrators in Caracas by Thursday afternoon. In other cities, including Maracaibo, Valencia, and Maracay, clashes broke out between opposition supporters and security forces, with tear gas and arrests reported.
Retired central bank worker Neglis Payares, 70, expressed her determination: “I’m not afraid; I lost my fear a long time ago,” she said while rallying in western Caracas.
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The government held counter-marches nationwide, showcasing large crowds on state television.
“We’ve come out to show that there is democracy,” said Manuel Rincón, a 50-year-old motorcycle taxi driver in Caracas. “On this side are patriots with Nicolás Maduro. On the other side are fascists seeking foreign intervention.”
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Continued Crackdown on Opposition
Authorities have detained several high-profile opposition figures in recent weeks. On Thursday alone, 16 people were arrested during protests, according to local advocacy group Foro Penal. Meanwhile, the attorney general’s office announced the release of over 1,500 detainees from earlier protests.
Outside Venezuela, solidarity protests were held in cities like Madrid, where González’s daughter, Carolina González, addressed hundreds of demonstrators. “My dad sends a hug to all of you, glory to the brave people of Venezuela,” she said emotionally.
