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The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was released this January 9 after being kidnapped by forces aligned with the chavista regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The incident occurred after a rally in Chacao, Caracas, according to the National Campaign Command of Machado and Edmundo González through their official account on X (formerly Twitter).
According to the statement, María Corina was intercepted while traveling on a motorcycle. During the operation, gunfire was reported, and the opposition leader was forcibly detained.
Kidnapping and coercion
Shortly after coming out of hiding and joining the massive protest she had called for in the country, Machado was arrested and violently assaulted while moving through the streets of Caracas, in an act of repression ordered by Nicolás Maduro's regime.
According to reports on social media and statements from witnesses, the opposition figure and her convoy were attacked with firearms, resulting in one of the motorcyclists accompanying her being injured.
During her abduction, Machado was forced to record several videos under pressure, although the details regarding the content of these materials have not yet been revealed. Hours later, the leader was released, but the exact circumstances of her release have not been clarified.
In a video -one of those she was probably forced to record- published by the user Jesús Medina Ezaine on X, María Corina Machado states that “I am fine, I am safe,” and mentioned that her purse with her belongings had fallen: “Venezuela will be free,” she expressed.
Message to the country
The campaign team of María Corina Machado announced that in the coming hours she will address the nation to explain what happened and denounce the events.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of escalating political tension in Venezuela, where the rights of opponents and freedom of expression continue to be violated.
The abduction underscores the seriousness of political persecution in the country, once again highlighting the risks faced by opposition leaders in their struggle for democracy and human rights in Venezuela.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Release of María Corina Machado and the Political Situation in Venezuela
What happened to María Corina Machado on January 9, 2025?
María Corina Machado was kidnapped by forces aligned with the regime of Nicolás Maduro after participating in a gathering in Chacao, Caracas. During the incident, the use of firearms was reported, and a motorcyclist from her caravan was injured. Hours later, she was released, but the circumstances surrounding her release were not clarified.
Why was María Corina Machado a target of Maduro's regime?
María Corina Machado is one of the most prominent opposition leaders in Venezuela, known for her strong stance against the Chavista regime. Her leadership and call for mass mobilizations represent a significant challenge to Maduro's government, especially in a context of political tension where the legitimacy of the regime is being questioned.
What actions are expected from the international community following the kidnapping of María Corina Machado?
The kidnapping of María Corina Machado has generated a wave of outrage both in Venezuela and internationally. It is expected that human rights organizations and foreign governments will issue statements condemning the events and demanding that the freedom of opponents in Venezuela be respected. Such incidents highlight the importance of international pressure to achieve democratic change in the country.
What is the current situation of Edmundo González in the Venezuelan political context?
Edmundo González, recognized by several countries as the legitimate president of Venezuela, is currently abroad following threats of arrest by the Maduro regime. He has embarked on an international tour to consolidate support and has promised to return to Venezuela on January 10, 2025, to assume his mandate. His return is anticipated in a context of high political tension and militarization by the regime.
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