Machado’s 'Fight Until the End' Inspires Hope in Venezuela Crisis

María Corina Machado, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader, was allegedly detained for approximately two hours on January 9, 2025, in Caracas. According to her aides, she was coerced into recording videos during her detention. Machado was released later that day. @MariaCorinaYA via X

Opposition Leader Machado Ambushed Amid Protests

Machado has been in hiding since August, facing arrest threats from the Venezuelan government, according to her team. She organized events in Venezuela and globally protesting Nicolás Maduro's inauguration for a third term, which opposition groups claim was unlawfully contested. © VOA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Gunfire Erupts as Machado Ambushed in Caracas

During a protest in Caracas on Thursday, gunfire was reported as Machado, riding a motorcycle, was ambushed and detained. The event saw thousands chanting for freedom, reflecting her significant support base.

The event was rumored to be full of government security forces, many of whom are backed by members of armed gangs known as "colectivos".

According to Machado's team, she was forced off the road in Caracas amidst gunfire and forcibly taken away while riding a motorcycle. @MariaCorinaYA via X

Machado Detained, González Condems 'Violent Kidnapping'

During her detainment, she was reportedly “forced to create videos”, although those have not been released.

Venezuela’s exiled opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia repudiated the kidnapping on X, saying, "Very serious! "That María Corina is free does not minimize the fact of what took place, she was kidnapped under violent conditions," @MariaCorinaYA via X

International Sanctions on Maduro Regime After Machado's Detention

While representatives for Ms. Machado declined to say who detained her, The Washington Post was quick to name Venezuela’s dictator, Nicolás Maduro.

By Friday, January 10, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, and the European Union, amongst other governments, announced new sanctions on the South American regime.

In addition, the U.S. Treasury has bounties on the heads of Mr. Maduro and his chief of repression, Diosdado Cabello, to $25 million and added a bounty for defense minister and Russian confidante Vladimir Padrino López. @SprinterObserve via X

Musk vs. Maduro: A Political Showdown

After the election in July, even billionaire Elon Musk questioned the results, posting, “Major election fraud by Maduro," He called the election a travesty and also cited Argentine President Javier Milei in which Milei told Maduro that Argentina would not “recognize another fraud” and hoped that the Armed Forces would “defend democracy and the popular will.”

In response, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro challenged Elon Musk to a fight. Musk accepted, writing on X, "I will carry you to Gitmo on a donkey." @nicksortor via X

González Vows Return, Machado Stays Determined

Edmundo González spoke early on the 10th from Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic, where he met Dominican President Luis Abinader and other regional former leaders. “We Venezuelans will soon regain our freedom,” Gonzalez said in a speech in Santo Domingo.

Machado posted a statement on her X account on January 19th with a message calling for urgent action to secure Venezuela's freedom. It urged international allies to act, condemned the regime, and warned against neutrality. Expressing confidence in the Venezuelan people, the statement emphasized staying focused on the goal and moving forward with unity, strength, and faith. @codiguillos via X