Venezuela's Political Drama: Arrest, Release, and Upcoming Election

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s security chief, Milciades Avila, was released from jail a day after being arrested on charges of gender violence. Machado, banned from running in the upcoming election, denounces these actions as attempts to sabotage the opposition campaign. The U.S. closely monitors as the political tension escalates.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's security chief, Milciades Avila, has been released from jail just a day after being arrested on charges of gender violence.

According to Machado, Avila will be required to appear in court every 30 days. She expressed her gratitude on social media platform X for the public's support, calling the arrest an unjust act. Avila was detained early Wednesday, accused of violence against women who allegedly tried to attack Machado and opposition coalition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez at a food store in Aragua state.

His arrest comes just two weeks before the July 28 vote, where Gonzalez is leading significantly against President Nicolas Maduro, who seeks a third term. The opposition accuses the government of using arrests and other tactics to undermine its campaign, allegations the government denies.

Machado, who won the opposition's October primary, was barred from running over alleged fraud charges, which she denies. Dozens of her allies have also been detained. Machado's lawyer, Omar Mora, celebrated Avila's release and vowed to dismantle the accusations. The U.S. is closely monitoring the election, linking its lifting of sanctions to Venezuela's adherence to free elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)