Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro was officially sworn in for a third term on Friday, January 10, amid widespread international condemnation and protests against his controversial election victory. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, faced a significant outcry as thousands took to the streets in opposition rallies just the day before his inauguration. These protests were notably led by Maria Corina Machado, an opposition leader who emerged from hiding to challenge the government's narrative.

Machado was reportedly briefly detained by security forces following the demonstration, which has reignited allegations of repression against political dissidents. Her team stated that she was forcibly intercepted while leaving the rally, with witnesses claiming shots were fired nearby. In response to her treatment, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump labeled Machado and opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as "freedom fighters," insisting they "should not be harmed, and MUST stay SAFE and ALIVE" (CBS News).

Maduro's administration has increasingly been criticized for its authoritarian actions, particularly surrounding the July 28 election, which many international observers and governments, including the United States and several Latin American nations, have denounced as fraudulent. Despite these claims, the Venezuelan Electoral Council quickly declared Maduro the winner. In contrast, the opposition asserted that Gonzalez Urrutia, who took Machado's spot on the ballot, actually won over two-thirds of the vote.

In the lead-up to the inauguration, police and military forces were heavily deployed throughout Caracas, creating a tense atmosphere that hampered the protests. The United Nations has expressed alarm over reports of arbitrary detentions, noting that over 2,400 people were arrested during the prior protests, with at least 28 fatalities and hundreds injured (Le Monde).

Despite the unrest, Maduro vowed during his inauguration to work toward a "period of peace," while his government has dismissed accusations of election fraud as part of an "international conspiracy" against Venezuelan sovereignty. Freddy Bernal, governor on the Colombian border, announced the closure of the border for the weekend, citing the need to secure peace during this tense period.

Several world leaders, including those from Spain and Ecuador, have condemned Maduro's government and reiterated support for Venezuela's opposition. As Maduro solidifies his grip on power, his strong alliances with nations like Cuba and Russia provide him with the necessary backing to navigate international scrutiny.

As tensions remain high in Venezuela, the eyes of the world are on Maduro's government and the future of democracy in the nation, especially with ongoing fear among opposition leaders like Gonzalez Urrutia, who faces threats of violence and a substantial reward for his capture.

To read more about the events surrounding Maduro's inauguration, visit Le Monde and CBS News.