Trump backs opposition leader Maria Machado after detention incident in Venezuela

ANI January 10, 2025 290 views

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, was reportedly detained during a protest in Caracas, sparking international attention. Her political team claimed she was forcibly intercepted but later released, with Machado herself confirming her safety on social media. Donald Trump quickly voiced his support for Machado, condemning the potential repression and standing with her democratic efforts. The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela ahead of President Maduro's controversial third-term inauguration.

"I have never felt so proud to be Venezuelan." - Maria Corina Machado
Washington DC, January 10: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado confirmed her safety after her aides reported she was "intercepted" during a protest in Caracas, just ahead of President Nicolas Maduro's inauguration, according to a report by CNN.

Key Points

1

Opposition leader detained during protest in Caracas

2

Trump publicly supports Machado's democratic movement

3

Venezuelan government denies detention claims

4

Tensions rise before Maduro's inauguration

Her political party stated on X that Machado was "violently intercepted" on Thursday while leaving the rally.

In an update, her team revealed that she was forced to record several videos while being detained but was eventually released.

Machado posted a statement on her X account late Thursday (local time) indicating she would give more details later.

"I am now in a safe place and more determined than ever before to continue with you until the end! Tomorrow I will tell you what happened today and what is coming. Venezuela will be free! Glory to the brave people!"

She added, "I have never felt so proud to be Venezuelan. Thank you, thank you, to all the citizens who took to the streets to claim our victory on July 28th and to own it!"

https://x.com/MariaCorinaYA/status/1877518564636381617

Following the incident, US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his support for Maria Machado and President-elect Gonzalez. He commended their efforts to represent the will of the Venezuelan people and called for their safety.

In a statement, Trump said, "Venezuelan democracy activist Maria Corina Machado and President-elect Gonzalez are peacefully expressing the voices and the will of the Venezuelan people with hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against the regime. The great Venezuelan American community supports a free Venezuela, and strongly supported me. These freedom fighters should not be harmed, and must stay safe and alive.

https://x.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1877482713424224551

Fear of repression in Venezuela has escalated in recent days as the inauguration of Maduro's third term approaches on Friday, following last year's contested presidential election, CNN reported.

However, the Venezuelan government has denied detaining Machado.

During a pro-government rally, Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the opposition of "lying that the government had captured Maria Corina" for publicity.

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