Political Turmoil in Venezuela: Security Chief Arrested Amidst Election Controversy

The security chief of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested, raising concerns about the fairness of the upcoming July presidential election. Machado's Vente Venezuela movement claims the arrest is part of President Maduro's strategy to obstruct their campaign. Multiple allies have been detained, and international bodies have criticized the election process.

Early Wednesday, the security chief of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was arrested, as confirmed by her Vente Venezuela political movement on X. This development has raised serious concerns over the integrity of the upcoming July presidential election.

Less than two weeks before the July 28 vote, where opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez is leading in polls against incumbent President Nicolas Maduro, Machado's security chief Milciades Avila was detained. Machado herself was barred from running due to alleged fraud violations—a charge she denies—forcing her coalition to support Gonzalez. Several of her allies have also faced detention.

Vente Venezuela stated that Avila was taken from his residence. Machado issued a warning on X, stating that the arrest signifies an escalation of repression by Maduro aimed against her campaign. She claimed Avila was accused of gender violence after an altercation in a food store, a charge she disputes.

Images in local media showed a confrontation involving Machado, Gonzalez, and known supporters of the ruling party. Machado asserted that the aim behind Avila's detention is to leave her team vulnerable.

Machado held Maduro responsible for Avila's safety and that of the 24 other detained members of her team. According to Foro Penal, a non-governmental organization, a total of 102 people have been detained since the campaign began on July 4. Responses from Venezuela's Ministry of Communication and the Attorney General's Office remain pending.

International bodies, including the United States, have invalidated Maduro's 2018 re-election as fraudulent and called for a fair, competitive election. Six former campaign staff of Machado are seeking asylum at Argentina's embassy.

(With inputs from agencies.)