Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Denies Arrest Reports

Mexico City, Mexico, January 9, 2025 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has denied reports of her alleged detention in Caracas. 

In a video shared online, Machado said she was “safe” and “sound” following reports from her own team that incorrectly alleged that she had been “intercepted” by Venezuelan security forces. 

Machado’s official social media channel claimed that the opposition leader had been detained  after delivering a speech in the opposition stronghold of Chacao. Initial reports even alleged that she or someone from her entourage had been wounded by gunfire. Her social media channel later claimed she was “forced” to record the video denying her arrest.

According to her own testimony, Machado said that her motorcycle caravan was “chased” but subsequently stopped after her “blue wallet” fell to the ground, leading to the speculation. The arrest story was echoed by Venezuelan opposition figures and international allies, despite denials from journalists quoting official sources.

Edmundo González Urrutia, who ran as a stand-in candidate for Machado in the July 28 election and claims to have won the presidential contest, also demanded her release, seemingly unaware that she had never been detained in the first place. Other prominent opposition supporters, including Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino also issued statements echoing the debunked story that she had been captured; as did US Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.

Human Rights Watch Deputy Director for the Americas Juan Pappier went as far as stating that his organization had “confirmed” Machado’s arrest, only to subsequently claim that she had been “freed.” 

Venezuelan Communications Minister Freddy Ñáñez said the false stories of Machado’s arrest were a “media distraction maneuver” by opposition forces to distract from the low turnout in their demonstrations.

Caracas-based photographer Rafael Hernández, who was accompanying Machado during her appearance at the demonstration, shared photos of the opposition leader alongside text that said reports of her detention were “false”.

The Venezuelan opposition called for a day of protest on Thursday ahead of President Nicolás Maduro’s inauguration for a third six-year term on Friday. The US-backed opposition has refused to recognize the official results of the presidential election declaring Maduro the winner, which were ratified by Venezuela’s Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ).

Machado made a surprise appearance at the opposition demonstration in Caracas alongside Venezuelan lawmaker Juan Pablo Guanipa. The far-right leader had refrained from any public appearances since August of last year. 

A hardline opposition figure, Machado has prominently figured in numerous regime-change efforts over the years. She has endorsed economic sanctions against the country and also lobbied for a foreign military intervention. Venezuelan judicial authorities upheld a ban on Machado running for public office in January 2024.

Supporters of the Maduro government held their own demonstrations Thursday, with the pro-government march eventually arriving in Chacao mere meters from the opposition rally. However, the modest anti-government turnout meant the two rival political groups proceeded with their activities without incident. 

Caracas is likewise hosting the International Anti-Fascist Festival, bringing together hundreds of delegates and activists from a reported 100 countries. The event will feature debates and interventions on ongoing global struggles against far-right threats.

Edited by Ricardo Vaz in Caracas.