Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s team and Venezuelan media report that Machado was arrested in Caracas on Thursday.
After demanding arrest and remaining largely hidden, she appeared in public for the first time in months in Caracas to lead a protest against President Nicolas Maduro being sworn in for a third term.
The opposition said on social media that Machado was “violently restrained as he left the rally,” also claiming that shots were fired at his motorcade.
Wanted by Venezuelan law enforcement even before the July 2024 elections, Machado has not appeared in public since the height of post-election protests in August, in which he was not allowed to run.
The opposition was organizing a series of eleventh-hour protests around Venezuela on the eve of Maduro’s swearing-in on Friday.
Information Minister disputed the reports
Venezuelan Information Minister Freddy Nánez was the first government official to respond, calling the reports a “media distraction.”
“Media distraction tactics are not new, so no one should be surprised,” Nanez wrote on Telegram. “Certainly not from the fascists, who are the architects of the deception. A few minutes ago, the right wing was selling the idea that [Machado] Attacked and detained by ‘regime motorcyclists’.”
Spain, exiled opposition presidential candidate condemns arrest
Edmundo González, who ran for president in July and fled Spain shortly after the vote after authorities issued an arrest warrant against him, called online for Machado’s release.
“As President-elect, I demand the immediate release of María Corina Machado,” González wrote. “To the security forces who kidnapped him I say: Don’t play with fire.”
Gonzalez and the opposition say he was the legitimate winner in July, and have released partial voter records, which they say may not be accurate as official results.
Maduro’s ruling party and Venezuelan courts have rejected this argument, although Spain, the European Parliament, the US and others have recognized González as the “rightful” election winner and president-elect, if not as the de facto president. .
Spain’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement “completely condemning” Machado’s arrest.
“The physical integrity of everyone and the freedom of expression and demonstration, especially of opposition political leaders, must be protected and safeguarded,” the ministry in Madrid said.
msh/ab (AFP, Reuters)
