The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has accused Nicolás Maduro’s regime of “kidnapping” one of her key allies as the country braces for intensifying protests following a contested presidential election. As tensions rise, opposition figures fear that Maduro’s government is gearing up for an even harsher crackdown.

Over 1,600 people have reportedly been detained since the disputed July 28 election, which Machado and her allies claim was stolen from the opposition candidate, Edmundo González. On Tuesday, the crackdown escalated when Perkins Rocha, a prominent lawyer and spokesperson for the opposition, was allegedly captured by Maduro’s secret police on the streets of Caracas. Rocha’s detention has sent shockwaves through the opposition, with Machado condemning the abduction on social media, describing Rocha as “a righteous, brave, intelligent, and generous man.”

The ongoing repression has sparked widespread fear among Venezuelans. With the recent appointment of hardliner Diosdado Cabello as interior minister, these fears have only grown. Cabello, a longtime ally of Maduro and former soldier with deep roots in Chavismo, now controls both the Bolivarian national police and the national intelligence service, Sebin. His reputation for ruthlessness has led many to believe that an even more brutal crackdown is imminent.

Cabello’s rise to power, combined with his history of incendiary rhetoric against opposition figures, has cast a long shadow over the ongoing protests. His television program, *Con El Mazo Dando*, has become a platform for vicious attacks on Machado and González, further inflaming tensions. Meanwhile, power cuts across Venezuela have added to the chaos, reminiscent of the widespread outages that paralyzed the country in 2019.

Despite these challenges, Machado remains defiant. In a message to her supporters, she expressed her unwavering belief that the “end of this regime of horror is approaching.” While the exact timing of their victory remains uncertain, the opposition’s resolve to see Venezuela liberated from Maduro’s grip appears stronger than ever.