María Corina Machado refutes Maduro’s exile claims: “I am still in Venezuela”
Machado has been living in semi-clandestinity for the past two months
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has firmly denied President Nicolás Maduro’s accusations that she has fled the country for Spain. Despite Maduro’s claims, Machado clarified in a televised interview, “Venezuelans know that I am still here, and Nicolás Maduro knows it too. They are desperate to know where I am, but I am protecting myself and taking care of myself. I am not going to give them that pleasure.”
Living in semi-secrecy for the past two months due to an escalating crackdown by the Maduro regime on dissenters, Machado remains steadfast in challenging Maduro’s legitimacy as president and the allegations of election fraud. Despite facing pressure and arrests of her allies, she refuses to leave Venezuela, continuing to advocate for democracy in her homeland.
Maduro’s contentious victory amid election fraud claims
The July 28 presidential elections in Venezuela raised concerns about fraud, leading to a government crackdown on the opposition, including Machado. While Maduro insists on his election win, Machado and other opposition leaders argue otherwise, sparking a political crisis.
International uncertainty and support for Machado
As the international community questions the election’s integrity, Machado’s determination to stay in Venezuela and fight for democracy stands out. Despite government efforts to depict her as exiled, conflicting reports within the regime shed doubt on their narrative.