Reports of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s arrest on Thursday were quickly followed by official denials, creating confusion amidst ongoing protests against Nicolás Maduro’s continued rule.
Machado’s movements after addressing supporters remain unclear. After leaving a rally, she traveled in a motorcade to an undisclosed location.
Machado’s press team initially reported that security forces had forcefully stopped her convoy. Aides confirmed her detention, prompting international calls for her release.
However, a video surfaced showing Machado stating she was followed but unharmed, claiming, “I’m good, I’m safe,” and expressing hope for a free Venezuela.
Her aides later countered that this video was obtained under duress, alleging her release followed the recording. They promised further details about the incident.
Conversely, Maduro’s supporters dismissed the detention claims as a fabrication aimed at creating an international incident. Communications Minister Freddy Nanez accused the opposition of employing a “dirty trick”.
Earlier, Machado addressed hundreds of protesters who rallied against Maduro’s upcoming inauguration, defying his disputed election victory.
“They wanted us to fight each other, but Venezuela is united, we are not afraid,” Machado declared before the reported detention.
Machado, a prominent opposition figure, remained active even as many allies left the country amidst a mass exodus of approximately 7 million Venezuelans.
Barred from running against Maduro due to legal challenges, she supported Edmundo González, who, according to opposition tallies, won the election by a significant margin.
González, recognized as president-elect by the U.S. and other nations, joined in demanding Machado’s release.
“To the security forces, I warn you: don’t play with fire,” he cautioned in a social media post from the Dominican Republic.
Thursday’s protests saw a smaller-than-expected turnout, attributed to fear among citizens due to the heavy deployment of riot police.
“Of course, there’s fewer people,” explained empanada vendor Miguel Contrera, noting the pervasive fear among Venezuelans.
Demonstrators who did participate blocked a main avenue, many wearing the colors of the Venezuelan flag and rejecting Maduro’s rule.
The government’s show of force, including the use of pro-government armed groups (“colectivos”), reflects Maduro’s insecurity, according to Javier Corrales, a Latin America expert at Amherst College.
Since the elections, over 2,000 people, including several Americans and other foreigners, have been arrested on charges of plotting against Maduro.
“It’s an impressive show of force but it’s also a sign of weakness,” stated Corrales, co-author of “How Maduro Stole Venezuela’s Vote.”
Corrales emphasized that while Maduro remains in power, he relies on the military to maintain his illegitimate rule.
Maduro’s victory was declared by Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, but unlike previous elections, voting records were not made accessible.
The opposition, however, released tally sheets from 85% of voting machines, showing González winning decisively. International observers have validated the opposition’s data.
The U.S. and other governments have recognized González as the legitimate president-elect, with many of Maduro’s former allies skipping his upcoming inauguration.
President Biden, after meeting González at the White House, praised him for “inspiring millions” and called for a peaceful transfer of power to the true election winner.