Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return to Venezuela soon after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro. She warned that the regime is cracking down on critics and journalists, which she called alarming.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Says Time Is Right To Go Back
Machado recently slipped out of Venezuela after more than a year in hiding so she could accept the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. She said she wants to help her country by speaking out and plans to go home as soon as she safely can.
Claims Of Arrests And New Crackdown
Machado says the regime issued a sweeping order soon after Maduro’s capture. According to her, the order targets people who support the U.S. mission and has already led to the detention of at least 14 journalists.
Calls For The World To Watch Closely
She urged the United States and the Venezuelan people to monitor the situation and support the transition away from Maduro’s rule. Machado says the push for change must continue.
Criticism Of Interim Leader Delcy Rodríguez
Machado also blasted interim president Delcy Rodríguez, saying she helped enable torture and corruption. She argued Rodríguez shouldn’t lead any transition and said Venezuelans don’t trust her.
Maduro Held In U.S. Custody
These comments came soon after U.S. officials confirmed they captured Maduro and his wife during major military strikes. Both are now in custody in New York while awaiting trial on drug related terrorism charges.
