Details of Venezuelan opposition leader's possible arrest remain unclear amid Maduro inauguration resistance

Members of the team supporting Maria Corina Machado from the opposition in Venezuela claimed she was taken into custody on Thursday. However, the authorities quickly refuted this, creating confusion in an already chaotic day of protests aimed at preventing President Nicolás Maduro from maintaining his grip on power.

The events following Machado’s departure from her supporters, as she rode a motorcycle with her security team through the deserted streets of eastern Caracas to an undisclosed destination, remain unclear.

Reports surfaced at 3:21 p.m. local time claiming that security forces aggressively stopped Machado’s convoy. Subsequently, her aides confirmed to The Associated Press that the outspoken opposition figure had indeed been detained. This led to swift international backlash, with leaders from Latin America and beyond demanding her immediate release.

But about an hour later, a 20-second video of Machado was posted online by a Maduro supporter in which the opposition leader said she was followed after leaving the rally and that she had dropped her purse. “I’m good, I’m safe,” Machado said in a raspy voice, adding “Venezuela will be free.”

Her aides later said in a social media post that the proof-of-of-life video message had been coerced, and that after recording it she was freed. They said she would provide details of her “kidnapping” later.

Meanwhile, Maduro supporters denied that she was detained and gloated that government opponents were trying to spread fake news to generate an international crisis. “Nobody should be surprised,” Communications Minister Freddy Nanez said. “Especially since it’s coming from the fascists, who were the architects of the dirty trick.”

Earlier Thursday, Machado addressed hundreds of supporters who heeded her call to take to the streets a day before the ruling party-controlled National Assembly was scheduled to swear in Maduro to a third six-year term despite credible evidence that he lost the presidential election.

“They wanted us to fight each other, but Venezuela is united, we are not afraid,” Machado shouted from atop a truck in the capital minutes before she was reported detained.

Machado, 57, is a hardliner former lawmaker who stayed and fought against Maduro even after many of her allies in the opposition leadership fled, joining an exodus of some 7 million Venezuelans who’ve abandoned their homeland in recent years.

Loyalists who control the country’s judiciary banned her from running against Maduro last year. In a deft move, she backed an unknown outsider — retired diplomat Edmundo González — who crushed Maduro by a more than two-to-one margin, according to voting machine records collected by the opposition and validated by international observers.

Maria Corina Machado

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, the day before his inauguration for a third term. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

González, invoking the title of president-elect recognized by the U.S. and other countries, was among those who demanded Machado’s release in the immediate aftermath of what was believed to be her shock arrest.

“To the security forces, I warn you: don’t play with fire,” he said in a social media post from the Dominican Republic, where he met with President Luis Abinader and a delegation of former presidents from across Latin America.

There was a relatively small turnout for Thursday’s protests as riot police were deployed in force. Venezuelans who’ve witnessed Maduro’s security forces round up scores of opponents and regular bystanders since the July election were reluctant to mobilize in the same numbers as they have in the past.

“Of course, there’s fewer people,” said empanada vendor Miguel Contrera as National Guard soldiers carrying riot shields buzzed by on motorcycles. “There’s fear.”

Those demonstrators that did show up blocked a main avenue in one opposition stronghold. Many were senior citizens and dressed in red, yellow and blue, answering Machado’s call to wear the colors of the Venezuelan flag. All repudiated Maduro and said they would recognize González as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

The deployment of security forces as well as pro-government armed groups known as “colectivos” to intimidate opponents betrays a deep insecurity on the part of Maduro, said Javier Corrales, a Latin America expert at Amherst College.

Since the elections, the government has arrested more than 2,000 people — including as many as 10 Americans and other foreigners — who it claims have been plotting to oust Maduro and sow chaos in the oil rich South American nation. This week alone, masked gunmen arrested a former presidential candidate, a prominent free speech activist and even González’s son-in-law as he was taking his young children to school.

“It’s an impressive show of force but it’s also a sign of weakness,” said Corrales, who co-authored this month an article, “How Maduro Stole Venezuela’s Vote,” in the Journal of Democracy.

“Maduro is safe in office,” said Corrales, “but he and his allies recognize they are moving forward with a big lie and have no other way to justify what they are doing except by relying on the military.”

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, also stacked with government loyalists, declared Maduro the winner of the election. But unlike in previous contests, authorities did not provide any access to voting records or precinct-level results.

The opposition, however, collected tally sheets from 85% of electronic voting machines and posted them online. They showed that its candidate, González, had thrashed Maduro by a more than two-to-one margin. Experts from the United Nations and the Atlanta-based Carter Center, both invited by Maduro’s government to observe the election, have said the tally sheets published by the opposition are legitimate.

The U.S. and other governments have also recognized González as Venezuela’s president-elect. Even many of Maduro’s former leftist allies in Latin America plan to skip Friday’s swearing-in ceremony.

President Joe Biden, meeting González at the White House this week, praised the previously unknown retired diplomat for having “inspired millions.”

“The people of Venezuela deserve a peaceful transfer of power to the true winner of their presidential election,” Biden said following the meeting.

You May Also Like
Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew accuser, dead at 41 by suicide: report

Report: Woman who accused Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, of wrongdoing dies by suicide at age 41

According to a report, Virginia Giuffre has died by suicide. Giuffre made…
Flight crew delayed asking for medical help for man in crisis who later died, lawsuit alleges

Lawsuit alleges flight crew caused delay in seeking medical assistance for man who later died

A lawsuit states that a 62-year-old man passed away after experiencing a…
How 17-year-old Logan Hall contributed his graphic design skills to new ABC News Studios documentary

“Teen Graphic Designer Logan Hall Contributes Expertise to ABC News Studios Documentary”

NEW YORK — A new documentary by ABC News Studios, “Unleashing Hope,”…
Beyonce mercilessly mocked as tickets for 'flop' Cowboy Carter tour reach same price as a McDonald's meal

Beyonce ridiculed as ticket prices for failed Cowboy Carter tour drop to cost of a meal at McDonald’s.

Beyonce has been ridiculed by music fans after tickets for her struggling…
Mighty and meek attend Pope Francis' funeral in St. Peter's Square, a ceremony he helped reimagine

People from all walks of life gather at St. Peter’s Square to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who played a role in revamping the funeral ceremony.

VATICAN CITY — World leaders and Catholic faithful said their goodbyes to…
Karen Read's ambulance ride admission becomes flashpoint at second trial

Second trial focuses on controversy surrounding Karen Read’s ambulance transport statement.

Was John O’Keefe alive to hear the “last words” from Karen Read…
The politics of Pope Francis' funeral seating plan revealed: How Donald Trump DID get in the front row after all - while Prince William and Keir Starmer are relegated to the cheap seats

Insights into Pope Francis’ funeral seating arrangement: Donald Trump secures front-row seat, Prince William and Keir Starmer placed in back rows

When Pope Francis passed away, the world’s top leaders and dignitaries placed…
RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley files for divorce from estranged husband PK after his clinch with Ryan Seacrest's ex

Dorit Kemsley, a cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, starts divorce proceedings from her separated spouse PK following his interaction with the former partner of Ryan Seacrest.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Dorit Kemsley has finally filed…
Selma Blair shares unbelievable health update amid years-long MS battle

Selma Blair provides incredible update on her health after battling MS for years

Selma Blair shared a positive update on her battle with Multiple Sclerosis,…
Pope Francis' funeral schedule, what to expect from the Novendiali, a 9-day period of prayer, mourning

“Pope Francis’ Funeral Schedule: A Guide to the Novendiali Period of Prayer and Mourning”

Pope Francis’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in local…
Donald Trump is accused of breaking the dress code at Pope Francis' funeral

Donald Trump allegedly violated the attire rules at the funeral of Pope Francis

Donald Trump has been accused of beaking the dress code at the…
Will There Be A ‘You’ Season 6 On Netflix? Everything We Know

What We Know About the Possibility of ‘You’ Season 6 on Netflix

After debuting on Lifetime six years ago, the hit show You has…