Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado Detained at Caracas Protest

Maria Corina Machado, a leading figure of Venezuela's opposition, was detained in Caracas on Thursday. She was part of a protest against the upcoming inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro. Machado's team reported that her group was intercepted violently by military troops as they left the rally. This incident follows a long period of government crackdown on opposition figures since last year's controversial presidential election. Machado's detention comes just one day before Maduro’s scheduled third-term inauguration. Her public appearance at the protest was her first in months, indicating her bravery despite potential risks. She shared a video of herself at the protest on social media, wearing jeans and the colors of the Venezuelan flag, adding, “I am here. ” Rival protests have been happening throughout Caracas, with opposition supporters gathered, waving flags and calling for freedom. Meanwhile, Maduro's supporters have assembled for what they call a "march for peace and joy. " The 2024 presidential election was widely contested, with the opposition led by Edmundo Gonzalez claiming victory with 67% of the vote. Independent observers and CNN’s analysis have corroborated these tallies. Gonzalez, who has vowed to return to Caracas, warned Venezuelan security forces not to underestimate the situation after news of Machado’s arrest broke.