Venezuelan Opposition Leader Reacts to Maduro’s Capture

Maria Colina Machado, a leader in the Venezuelan opposition and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, declared on Saturday that “the time for sovereignty has come” following the capture of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. military forces.

In a statement released in Spanish on her official social media, Machado, who left Venezuela in December with the assistance of President Donald Trump’s administration, expressed that Maduro will now confront “international justice for the grave crimes committed against the Venezuelan people and others.”

She noted, “Given his refusal to accept a negotiated solution, the U.S. government has upheld its promise to enforce the law.” Machado emphasized the need for national sovereignty to guide Venezuela, asserting, “We will restore order, free political prisoners, and create a remarkable country.” She added that despite years of struggle, the moment they anticipated has finally arrived.

Machado urged the Venezuelan populace to take risks for democracy, hinting at a controversial election scheduled for July 28, 2024. She mentioned organizing a covert nationwide system to gather voter results, suggesting that opposition candidate Edmundo González had achieved a significant victory over Maduro.

She further called for González to be acknowledged as the head of Venezuela’s armed forces, stating, “We are prepared to undertake this mission and assume power.”

In her message, she encouraged Venezuelans within the country to prepare for upcoming instructions via official channels. For those abroad, she expressed the importance of uniting to rally global support for the transformation of Venezuela.

She concluded her statement by sharing her strength, love, and confidence during this pivotal moment, asserting that vigilance is key and emphasizing, “Venezuela will be free! We will walk hand in hand with God to the end.”

Her statement was later translated into English by a supporter.

Meanwhile, early Saturday, President Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been “captured and deported.” Maduro, who had been evading capture for years, was facing multiple drug-terrorism charges brought by U.S. authorities. Shortly after, Attorney General Pam Bondi remarked that both Maduro and Flores “will soon confront the full legal consequences in American courts.”