In a message released on Friday on her social media, María Corina Machado not only condemned the repression she suffered but also provided details about the incident and reflected on the political crisis facing Venezuela.
The opposition leader described on Instagram how she was “violently intercepted” by regime forces after participating in the opposition protest on Thursday in Caracas.
In the message, Machado detailed her arrest. She recounted how she was violently pulled off a motorcycle and taken away amidst armed personnel from the Bolivarian National Police (PNB).
According to her testimony, the agents took her near the Boleita area, where they finally released her after forcing her to record a video as proof of life.
Machado reported that one of the motorcyclists escorting her was shot by the PNB and subsequently detained.
He also stated that he suffered bruises and pain due to the violent handling of his arrest: "That's how they are, they attack a woman from behind," he said in reference to the treatment received.
The opposition figure interpreted the incident as a sign of internal divisions within the regime of Nicolás Maduro and expressed gratitude to world leaders and governments that, according to her, pressured the regime to stop her kidnapping.
Machado also highlighted that more than 20 Venezuelans, including regional leaders and journalists, were persecuted and detained during the protests in various cities across the country, calling them "heroes" and promising to fight for their release.
Regarding the elected president Edmundo González Urrutia, Machado confirmed that he will not be entering Venezuela at this time due to the risks it would pose to his safety.
"I have asked him not to do it, because his integrity is essential for the final defeat of the regime," he stated, assuring that González will swear in as constitutional president when the conditions are right.
Finally, Machado sent a message of resistance to Venezuelans: "Today I ask every Venezuelan to strongly exercise their right to protest. Maduro has consolidated the coup and the violation of our constitution. It is time to do whatever is necessary to restore it."
"Today, January 10, Maduro consolidates a coup d'état", stated Machado, highlighting the regime's continuity as a further blow to democracy in the country.
Maduro was illegitimately sworn in for a third consecutive presidential term, in an event rejected by a large part of the international community due to the lack of transparency and legitimacy in the electoral process held in late July 2024 in the South American nation.
Jorge Rodríguez, the leader of Parliament and one of its closest collaborators, formalized the ceremony with the words: "You are hereby invested in the position of constitutional president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
After the swearing-in ceremony, Maduro gave a speech in which he stated that the power he holds has been granted to him by the people.
"The power I have has not been given to me by a foreign government, nor by a gringo government. It is not the Government of the United States that has placed me as president. My power comes from history and from the people," he affirmed.
In this context, the United States increased the reward on Friday for information leading to the capture of Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, and the influential Minister of the Interior Diosdado Cabello, from 15 to 25 million dollars for each.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Political Crisis in Venezuela and the Role of María Corina Machado
What happened to María Corina Machado at the demonstration on January 9 in Venezuela?
María Corina Machado was violently detained by forces aligned with Nicolás Maduro's regime during a protest in Caracas on January 9, 2025. She was attacked with firearms and forcibly held, but was later released. This act of repression sparked international condemnation.
What is María Corina Machado's stance on Edmundo González's leadership?
María Corina Machado firmly supports Edmundo González as the constitutional president of Venezuela. She trusts in his leadership and looks forward to his return to assume the position when the conditions are right, despite the threats and persecutions from Maduro's regime.
How has the international community reacted to the arrest of María Corina Machado?
The detention of María Corina Machado has sparked a wave of international condemnation. Leaders and organizations from various countries have called for her immediate release and have expressed their support for the Venezuelan opposition, denouncing the repression of Maduro's regime.
What is the current political context in Venezuela according to María Corina Machado?
Venezuela is experiencing a severe political crisis, with a regime that, according to María Corina Machado, resorts to violence and repression to remain in power. She denounces a continuous coup d'état by Maduro and emphasizes the importance of peaceful resistance and constant mobilization to achieve political change.
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