International Outcry Follows Detention of Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado
The recent detention of María Corina Machado has ignited a wave of international condemnation and calls for her immediate release. The prominent anti-Chavista leader was taken into custody following her participation in a demonstration in Caracas, protesting the impending inauguration of Nicolás Maduro, scheduled for this Friday.
Edmundo González Urrutia, speaking from Santo Domingo where he has been since early morning, is among the first to publicly condemn the arrest, emphasizing that Venezuelan security forces are playing a perilous game. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he demanded the immediate release of Machado, signaling a strong opposition to the actions taken by the Maduro regime.
The concern surrounding Machado's detention extends beyond Venezuela's borders. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing total condemnation of her arrest, as well as the detentions of fellow political figures Rafael Tudares, Carlos Correa, and Enrique Márquez. In its release, the ministry stressed the importance of protecting the physical integrity and freedom of expression of all, particularly that of opposition leaders in Venezuela.
Italy has also joined the chorus of voices demanding Machado's release, with its Foreign Ministry declaring that it can no longer tolerate the repressive actions of the Maduro government, which it accuses of losing legitimacy after the elections. The Italian government expressed solidarity with those fighting for democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
Furthermore, the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, has taken a firm stance by calling for the full freedom of Machado and vocally accusing the Venezuelan government of being responsible for her safety. In his post on X, Mulino underscored that the dictatorial regime is accountable for her well-being and called for respect for her personal integrity.
As the international community rallies around Machado, it is becoming increasingly clear that the stakes for Venezuelan opposition leaders are high. The reactions from countries such as Spain, Italy, and Panama reflect a growing concern for human rights and democratic freedoms in Venezuela, amidst a backdrop of political repression under the Maduro administration. The eyes of the world are focused on Caracas, as pressure mounts for the Venezuelan government to release María Corina Machado and respect the rights of its citizens.
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