Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Came Out Of Hiding To Lead An Anti-Government Protest But Was Arrested

Venezuela’s main opposition leader María Corina Machado was arrested and later released, after she emerged out of hiding to take part in anti-government protests.

She had gone into hiding for months as the ruling government started cracking down on opposition leaders, following the controversial presidential election in July 2024 when longtime ruler Nicolás Maduro claimed victory for the third time.

Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is accused of turning Venezuela into a dictatorship and causing a severe economic crisis.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, a day before Maduro’s inauguration, thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Caracas as Machado called on people to protest Maduro’s government.

“Have no doubt that whatever they do tomorrow, marks the end of the regime,” Machado said atop a truck during the rally.

As Machado tried to leave the protest on her motorcycle convoy, government forces reportedly opened fire, according to Al Jazeera.

Her party’s social media account later said the regime “violently intercepted” and briefly detained her.

Machado’s party said the regime forced her to record videos under duress before releasing her an hour later.

“I’m in a safe place now and more determined than ever to continue with you until the end," Machado wrote on X after being released.

However, the government has denied her arrest, accusing the opposition of faking the situation to gain support.

Maduro was sworn on Jan. 10, despite widespread allegations of electoral fraud during the election.Machado and other opposition leaders have claimed their candidate, Edmundo González, as the rightful winner.

The disputed election sparked waves of anti-government protests, which led to more than 2,000 people being arrested.

However, the government said that it has freed more than 1,500 of those detained, Reuters reported.

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