Thousands protest in Caracas

Opposition supporters have taken to the streets across Venezuela to protest against President Nicolas Maduro's controversial victory in the recent presidential election. In the capital, Caracas, opposition leader María Corina Machado joined thousands of demonstrators, urging them to stand firm and not succumb to fear. Having previously been in hiding due to accusations of insurrection, Machado emphasized the importance of the people's voice, asserting that the electorate had clearly expressed their will. Many protesters waved copies of election records, claiming them as evidence of their candidate's victory. The situation has escalated as police and military forces were deployed to manage the protests, which have seen a significant turnout from both opposition and pro-Maduro supporters. Machado has called for nationwide demonstrations to increase pressure on Maduro to acknowledge the election results, which the opposition contests. While Maduro claims to have secured a third six-year term, opposition figures, including Edmundo Gonzalez, argue that their tallies indicate a decisive win for their side. Since the election, anti-government protests have intensified, leading to widespread arrests by security forces loyal to Maduro. Reports indicate that over 2,400 individuals have been detained since the announcement of the disputed results on July 29. The unrest has sparked similar demonstrations globally, with protests occurring in countries such as Australia, Spain, the UK, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Internationally, the European Union, the United States, and several Latin American nations have refused to recognize the election results, further complicating the political landscape in Venezuela.