Caracas (Venezuela), January 9 (LaPresse/AP) – Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado claimed she had been arrested, a statement later officially denied in a confusing episode during a day of protests against Maduro's attempt to remain in power.
Details of the incident remain unclear. After greeting her supporters, Machado boarded a motorcycle and traveled through deserted streets in eastern Caracas with her convoy, heading to an unknown destination. At 3:21 PM local time, Machado’s team posted on social media that security forces had “violently intercepted” her convoy. Later, her aides confirmed to the Associated Press that Machado had been arrested, prompting immediate condemnation from leaders across Latin America and beyond, who called for her release.
However, about an hour later, a Maduro supporter posted a video online showing Machado saying she had been followed after leaving the rally and had lost her bag. “I’m fine, I’m safe,” she said in a hoarse voice, adding, “Venezuela will be free.” Machado's team claimed the video was recorded under duress and that she was released after filming it.
Meanwhile, Maduro’s supporters denied she had been arrested, accusing the opposition of spreading false news to spark an international crisis. “No one should be surprised,” said Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez, “especially considering this comes from fascists, the architects of this deception.”
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