Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Briefly Detained Before Maduro Inauguration
Caracas, Friday, 10 January 2025.
María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader, was detained on January 8, 2025, amid political tensions surrounding President Maduro’s inauguration, highlighting ongoing unrest and international concern.
Violent Detention and Release
María Corina Machado, 57, was ‘violently intercepted’ in eastern Caracas while leaving an opposition rally, with reports indicating gunfire directed at her motorcycle convoy [1][2]. During her brief detention, she was reportedly forced to record several videos [3]. The incident occurred just one day before Nicolás Maduro’s scheduled inauguration for his third consecutive six-year term [1][4]. Despite government officials dismissing the detention as a ‘media distraction’ [1], the event has sparked international concern and condemnation [5].
Post-Election Tensions
The detention comes amid escalating political tensions following the contested July 28, 2024 presidential election [1]. The post-election period has been marked by significant unrest, with over 2,000 arrests and approximately 25 deaths reported during the government crackdown [1]. The opposition, along with many countries including the United States, rejects Maduro’s victory claims, recognizing exiled candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate president-elect [3]. González, who fled to Spain in September 2024, currently faces a $100,000 government bounty for information leading to his arrest [1][3].
International Response
The incident has drawn sharp international reactions. The White House stated it continues to ‘condemn publicly Maduro and his representatives for attempting to intimidate Venezuela’s democratic opposition’ [5]. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino demanded ‘full freedom’ for Machado, declaring ‘The dictatorial regime is responsible for her life!’ [5]. Several Latin American presidents have signaled their disapproval by announcing their non-attendance at Maduro’s inauguration [2].
Popular Resistance
Despite the government’s intimidation tactics, opposition supporters have shown remarkable resilience. In various cities across Venezuela, protesters have taken to the streets, with demonstrators in western Caracas declaring, ‘I’m not afraid, I lost my fear a long time ago’ [3]. The opposition has maintained its stance on election legitimacy, having collected and secured 85% of voting tallies in Panama’s bank, which independent observers say show González won by a significant margin [3].