Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has confirmed her safety after her aides reported that she was intercepted at a protest in Caracas on the eve of President Nicolas Maduro's inauguration. Machado's political group stated that she was violently intercepted while leaving the rally and was later forced to record several videos during her alleged kidnapping before being released.
In a statement posted on her social media account, Machado expressed her determination to continue the fight for democracy in Venezuela. She thanked the citizens who took to the streets to support the opposition's claims of victory in the previous election.
The Venezuelan government has denied detaining Machado, with officials accusing her of creating a spectacle to gain sympathy and incite violence ahead of Maduro's inauguration. Despite the government's claims, independent observers have supported the opposition's tallies from the contested election.
Machado's public appearance at the rally marked a significant moment following a crackdown on opposition figures by the government. Her presence energized supporters who continue to demand freedom and fair elections in Venezuela.
International leaders, including Panama's President and the US government, have condemned the alleged detention of Machado and expressed support for the Venezuelan opposition's quest for democracy. President-elect Donald Trump emphasized the importance of protecting the lives of Machado and other opposition leaders.
As tensions rise in Venezuela on the eve of Maduro's inauguration, rival groups of demonstrators have gathered in Caracas, with opposition supporters calling for freedom and fair elections, while Maduro loyalists organize marches for peace and unity.
Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who has been vocal about the need for change in Venezuela, remains committed to the cause of restoring freedom to the country. Despite the challenges, Gonzalez and his supporters are determined to continue their fight for democracy.
