Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Arrested in Protest

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado was arrested on Thursday after leading an anti-government protest in Caracas against President Nicolás Maduro's impending swearing-in for a controversial third term. This marked Machado's first public appearance in months, where she called on supporters to unite against what she described as an illegitimate regime, asserting that Edmundo González Urrutia is the rightful winner of the disputed elections. As Machado's convoy was intercepted by security forces, reports indicated that troops fired on her motorcycle escort, further escalating tensions. The protests faced a significant police presence, which some observers noted contributed to a smaller turnout due to fear among citizens. Despite the risks, Machado declared, 'Today all of Venezuela took to the streets. We are not afraid!' The government's actions have drawn international condemnation amidst accusations of electoral fraud and the suppression of dissent.