Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was reportedly arrested on Thursday, January 9, 2025, during a rally in Caracas, further intensifying political tensions in the country.
Machado’s caravan was allegedly “violently intercepted” and fired upon by agents of Nicolás Maduro’s regime, according to her team. This development happened as opposition forces gathered to protest the contested July 28 presidential election results.
Earlier that day, the veteran leader addressed supporters in a heavily militarized Caracas, declaring, “We are not afraid.” Her defiant tone came amid what many describe as a city under siege, with heightened security and growing unrest.
Witnesses reported seeing her detained by authorities aligned with Maduro’s government, but conflicting reports have emerged about her status. A senior Chavista official told EL PAÍS that Machado was not detained and is “calmly at home.”
The opposition rally comes on the eve of a presidential inauguration ceremony overshadowed by controversy. Maduro, claiming victory in the July 28 elections, faces allegations of electoral fraud.
Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE), headed by a Maduro ally, has yet to release the official paper tallies. Opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, however, insists he won by a significant margin of 67% to 30%, citing over 24,000 voter tallies shared online.
Machado, who emerged from hiding to participate in Thursday’s demonstration in Chacao, challenged the regime to respect the election results. “What they do tomorrow will seal the regime’s fate. If they commit this crime against the constitution and popular sovereignty, they will be sentencing their destiny,” she warned.
Following Machado’s arrest, González Urrutia condemned the actions of Chavista authorities, calling for her immediate release. “As the elected president, I demand the immediate release of María Corina Machado,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Como presidente electo, exijo la liberación inmediata de María Corina Machado.
A los cuerpos de seguridad que la secuestraron les digo: no jueguen con fuego.
Advertisement · Scroll to continue
— Edmundo González (@EdmundoGU) January 9, 2025Former Colombian President Iván Duque echoed these sentiments, describing her detention as a “kidnapping” and urging the International Criminal Court to intervene. “The international community must seriously contemplate a humanitarian intervention to reestablish democratic order,” Duque stated in a video.
Demonstrations in solidarity with Venezuela’s opposition erupted in cities worldwide, including New York, Madrid, and Buenos Aires. The global outcry reflects the growing alarm over Venezuela’s deepening crisis, with key international powers like the United States and the European Union refusing to recognize Maduro as the legitimate president.
The Maduro regime has reportedly intensified its crackdown on dissidents in recent days. González Urrutia’s son-in-law was detained on Tuesday, while drones surveilled the home of María Corina Machado’s mother.
Opponents throughout the country have been arrested, with their numbers yet to be confirmed. In some Caracas neighborhoods, residents expressed their frustration by banging pots and pans from their balconies.
Meanwhile, Maduro has surrounded himself with his most loyal supporters, many of whom face potential international trials for alleged crimes. The embattled leader has repeatedly stated his intention to remain in power, claiming a divine mandate. “I am willing to die before stepping aside,” Maduro declared.
As tensions rise, González Urrutia has pledged to return to Caracas on Friday for his swearing-in ceremony, despite threats of arrest. The Chavista regime has vowed to apprehend him upon his arrival. The political crisis shows no signs of abating, leaving Venezuela on the brink of further turmoil.