Maria Corina Machado, a 57-year-old engineer with rock-star appeal, became the fearless figurehead of Venezuela's opposition after being barred from challenging strongman Nicolas Maduro in elections last July.

Fear of repression in Venezuela has escalated in recent days as the inauguration of Maduro's third term approaches on Friday, following last year's contested presidential election, CNN reported

María Corina Machado, a key figure in Venezuela’s opposition, was reportedly detained by security forces on Thursday after emerging from hiding to lead a major protest against President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Allies described her detention as a “kidnapping,” though she was released hours later.