Maria Corina Machado, a prominent opposition leader in Venezuela, was released on Thursday shortly after being detained amid gunfire while leaving a protest in eastern Caracas, according to her political movement, Vente Venezuela. Her detention came as opposition protests erupted nationwide in a last-ditch effort to challenge President Nicolás Maduro’s third inauguration set for Friday.
Machado’s arrest followed her first public appearance in months, leading to widespread condemnation from several governments and calls for her immediate release by her ally, former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez. During her brief detention, Machado was reportedly forced to record videos, Vente Venezuela stated, promising to release further details later.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello dismissed claims of Machado’s detention, alleging the incident was staged by the opposition to garner support. Cabello said:
“They’ve reached the height of absurdity, lying that the government detained Maria Corina.” He accused Machado of fabricating the videos, which depict her sitting on a curb and describing losing her wallet during the incident.
Both the ruling party and the opposition continue to dispute the outcome of last year’s presidential election. While Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court have declared Maduro the winner, detailed vote tallies have never been published.
Amid escalating tensions, opposition protests across the country drew thousands of participants. Reuters reported an estimated 7,000 demonstrators gathered in Caracas by early afternoon, with protests also taking place in Maracaibo, Valencia, San Cristobal, Barquisimeto, and Puerto Ordaz. In some areas, security forces quickly dispersed crowds using tear gas and motorcycle-mounted patrols.
Meanwhile, government supporters held rival marches nationwide, with state television broadcasting images of these events. A participant at one march, motorcycle taxi driver Manuel Rincon, said:
“We’re here to show democracy exists. On this side are patriots with Nicolás, and on the other, fascists seeking foreign intervention and war.”
As the opposition continues to rally support, Gonzalez, who has been traveling through the Americas, met with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump’s national security advisor. The White House condemned Maduro’s government, stating:
“We continue to publicly denounce Maduro and his representatives for their attempts to intimidate Venezuela’s democratic opposition. Gonzalez is the true winner of the election.”
Outside Venezuela, protests were held in solidarity with the opposition, including in Madrid, where Gonzalez’s daughter, Carolina Gonzalez, addressed demonstrators. Fighting back tears, she said:
“My dad sends a hug to all of you. Glory to the brave people of Venezuela.”
Machado, 57, has called for peaceful protests and urged police and military personnel to support Gonzalez’s victory. Speaking at a demonstration, she said:
“Whatever they do, tomorrow they will bury themselves. This marks the regime’s end.”
Despite the government’s firm grip on the military and intelligence services, Machado’s detention and the nationwide protests underscore the deep unrest and division in Venezuela as Maduro prepares to extend his decade-long rule.
