Machado’s appearance at the rally was her first public appearance in months, since a government crackdown on Venezeulan opposition figures and their supporters last year.

President-elect Donald Trump says Venezuela's embattled opposition leader must be protected as President Nicolas Maduro takes the oath of office for a third six-year term.

The Nicolas Maduro regime arrested Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado on Thursday after opening fire against the driver of the motorcycle in which she was riding, people close to her team said.