Venezuelan opposition condemns arrests ahead of Maduro’s inauguration

• Venezuelan opposition condemns arrests ahead of Maduro’s inauguration
• The Popular Will party reported at least 19 people had been detained nationwide
• The government has not commented on the detentions
• Authorities have launched investigations into leading opposition figures

Venezuelan opposition condemns arrests ahead of Maduro’s inauguration

Venezuelan opposition parties and human rights organizations are speaking out against the arrests of prominent figures, including a press freedom activist and an opposition leader, in the lead-up to President Nicolas Maduro’s third-term inauguration on Friday.

The Popular Will party reported on X (formerly Twitter) that at least 19 people had been detained nationwide. The party described the arrests as evidence of a “worsening of persecution and repression” by Maduro’s government.

The government has not commented on the detentions, with neither the Communications Ministry nor the attorney general’s office responding to requests for statements.

Authorities have launched investigations into leading opposition figures, accusing them of conspiracy and incitement to violence, following their claims of victory in the disputed July presidential election.

The opposition, citing detailed ballot box tallies, insists its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won decisively. Gonzalez, recognised as president-elect by several nations, including the United States, is currently on a regional tour advocating for the opposition’s cause.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s electoral authority and Supreme Court have declared Maduro the winner but have yet to release comprehensive election results.

The arrests and contested election outcomes have further deepened tensions as the nation braces for planned protests.