Machado Set to Return to Venezuela Following Maduro’s Arrest
Venezuelan opposition leader María Colina Machado has expressed her intention to return to Venezuela “as soon as possible” after the U.S. captured dictator Nicolás Maduro. She warns that the current regime is intensifying its crackdown on dissent and journalists.
In a recent interview, Machado shared her plans to return home after more than a year spent in hiding. She had managed to leave Venezuela secretly just last month and traveled to Norway to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, dedicating it to President Donald Trump.
“Well, first of all, I’m going back to Venezuela as soon as possible,” Machado stated.
She described the recent developments as deeply concerning, especially regarding sweeping executive orders Maduro signed on the day of his capture and deportation to the U.S.
“What we’re seeing now in the last 24 hours is really alarming,” she said.
Machado noted that the orders target Venezuelans who support actions by President Trump. She claims at least 14 journalists have been detained. An emergency order issued mandates law enforcement to commence a nationwide search for anyone involved in promoting or supporting U.S. attacks, as stated in the text of the order.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, she maintained that both the U.S. and Venezuelan citizens need to monitor developments closely, advocating for continued movement away from Maduro’s regime.
Machado was critical of newly appointed interim president Delcy Rodríguez, deeming her unsuitable to lead the transitional government. Rodríguez, serving as vice president under Maduro since 2018, was sworn in after Maduro’s arrest.
“As you know, Delcy Rodríguez is one of the main architects of torture, persecution, corruption, and drug trafficking,” Machado said, indicating that she is closely tied to foreign powers like Russia and China, making her untrustworthy for investors and rejected by many Venezuelans.
Machado’s remarks followed the announcement that the U.S. military had successfully captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during an operation aimed at the Venezuelan government. They are currently detained in New York, awaiting trial on charges related to narco-terrorism.
