Doral, FL - Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gathered in Downtown Doral Park on Thursday, expressing outrage and solidarity following reports of her detention in Caracas.
Machado, a vocal critic of Nicolás Maduro's regime, emerged from hiding to lead an anti-Maduro protest in Venezuela's capital, but her arrest was reported shortly after the demonstration.
According to her team, military forces targeted her motorcycle envoy, detaining her briefly before releasing her.
The demonstrations in Doral, home to a significant Venezuelan community, occurred one day before Maduro’s scheduled inauguration for a controversial third six-year term.
Protesters voiced their demands for a peaceful transfer of power to opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, who they claim won the July presidential election—a claim supported by international organizations.
Machado’s arrest has fueled skepticism among her supporters, despite her video message surfacing on social media shortly after her release.
In the video, Machado assured her followers she was safe, but many remain concerned about her safety and the possibility of further retaliation from Maduro’s government.
Protesters in Doral described their demonstration as a show of unity, calling for an end to the Maduro regime and a free Venezuela after 25 years of what they call dictatorship.
The Maduro administration denies the allegations of Machado’s detention, labeling the story as fabricated.
Meanwhile, Machado’s exact whereabouts remain unknown, heightening concerns among her allies.
With tensions running high in both Venezuela and the diaspora, Friday’s scheduled inauguration is shaping up to be a critical moment for the nation’s future.
Protesters in Doral vowed to continue their efforts to amplify the voices of those fighting for democracy in Venezuela.
