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Venezuela: Opposition Leader ‘Violently’ Arrested At Rally, Later Released

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado gestures and speaks during a protest called by the opposition on the eve of the presidential inauguration in Caracas, January 9, 2025. Venezuela is in a tense situation, facing demonstrations called by both opposition parties and government supporters. Machado emerged from hiding to lead protests in Caracas against Nicolas Maduro's highly controversial swearing-in for a third term as president. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN Staff Brennan Cooney and Sophia Flores
3:33pm – Thursday, January 9, 2025

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Colina Machado has reportedly been released after being detained following a “violent interception” by the national army.

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Machado had spoken out at pro-government protests, which is believed to have led to his detention.

She spent months in hiding before emerging.

Opposition staff on Thursday said Machado attended a rally in the capital, Caracas, to demand an end to the regime and declare that Nicolás Maduro is illegitimate.

An opposition leader who took part in the monumental protest on a motorcycle was shot dead as he tried to flee the rally. Machado was forced off the road and forcibly taken away.

Her team explained, “While being kidnapped, she was forced to record several videos, but was later released.”

Maduro is scheduled to begin his next term on Friday. This came despite national condemnation and surfacing doubts among Venezuelans regarding the election.

President-elect Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that the Venezuelan-American community must support a “free Venezuela.”

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