Venezuela's Opposition Leader Denounces Government Intimidation Amid Rising Tensions

María Corina Machado continues to campaign despite ban, as dueling factions hold first competing rallies of the presidential election year.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has denounced what she says are attempts by the government to intimidate her and her supporters, including the abduction of two campaign coordinators and vandalism of party offices.
The incidents come just months after the government agreed to a deal laying the groundwork for free and fair elections to be held in 2024, with international observers to monitor the presidential poll.
Tension between the opposition and the government is on the rise, with Venezuela's Attorney-General Tarek William Saab announcing the arrest of 32 people for allegedly plotting to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela's defence minister, Vladimir Padrino.
Machado, who won an opposition primary held in October despite being banned from running for office, has appealed against the ban and continues to campaign.
Dueling political factions took to the streets of Venezuela’s capital for the first competing rallies of the presidential election year, showcasing their ability to draw people en masse.