Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Defies Maduro in Public Protest

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado emerged from hiding on Thursday to lead a protest against President Nicolás Maduro, just one day before his controversial inauguration for a third term. Machado, who had been in hiding for months, risked arrest as she addressed hundreds of supporters in the capital, waving a Venezuelan flag and chanting, “We are not afraid!”

The protest, which took place in Caracas, was part of a last-ditch effort by the opposition to block Maduro from being sworn in by the ruling party-controlled National Assembly. Despite credible evidence suggesting Maduro lost the July presidential election, the government has refused to acknowledge the results, leading to widespread international condemnation.

Machado’s reappearance was met with a heavy police presence, as riot police and pro-government armed groups known as “colectivos” were deployed to intimidate protesters. The turnout was smaller than in previous demonstrations, with many Venezuelans reluctant to mobilize due to fear of reprisals. “Of course, there’s fewer people,” said Miguel Contrera, a local vendor. “There’s fear.”

Machado, who has been a vocal critic of Maduro’s regime, called on Venezuelans to recognize Edmundo González, the opposition’s candidate, as the legitimate president. González, who has been rallying international support, recently met with former Latin American presidents in the Dominican Republic. “It’s evident that a regime like that represents a threat to the hemisphere,” González said during his visit.

The Venezuelan government has arrested over 2,000 people since the election, including opposition leaders, activists, and even González’s son-in-law. The crackdown has drawn criticism from international observers, including the United Nations and the Carter Center, which have questioned the legitimacy of Maduro’s victory. The U.S. and other governments have recognized González as the rightful winner, with President Joe Biden praising him during a recent meeting at the White House.

Despite the opposition’s efforts, Maduro is expected to be sworn in on Friday, deepening the political crisis in Venezuela. Many of Maduro’s former allies in Latin America have announced they will not attend the inauguration, further isolating his regime.