Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested on Thursday, according to internet broadcaster VPI TV, citing opposition staffer Magalli Meda. The arrest occurred as Machado was leaving a march, her first public appearance in months, the opposition reported on social media.
Machado was reportedly “violently intercepted” in the Chacao area as she attempted to leave the protest. On X, the opposition said agents of the regime opened fire at motorcycles carrying her. “We await confirmation about her current situation,” they added.
The arrest comes as nationwide opposition protests are gaining momentum to force President Nicolas Maduro, who is scheduled to be sworn in for his third six-year term on Friday, to step down. The political climate remains tense, following a disputed presidential election last year in which both the ruling party and opposition claimed victory.
Venezuela’s electoral authority and top court have proclaimed Maduro the winner of the July vote, although they still have not released detailed election tallies. Maduro has been accused of gross economic and social crises during his rule.
The government has vowed to arrest opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez should he return to Venezuela, accusing the opposition of inciting fascist plots. Several members of the opposition and activists have already been detained in the lead-up to Maduro’s inauguration.
