Venezuelans rally for opposition leader’s return and presidential elections

Hundreds of supporters of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado took to the streets in various Venezuelan cities, including Caracas, to demand her safe return and immediate presidential elections. In Caracas, activists in sky blue shirts rode motorcycles through main avenues, honking horns and waving flags. The protests coincided with the return of Machado’s aide, Claudia Macero, from exile, who was greeted by cheering crowds at the airport. Machado has been in exile for nine months and has made three unsuccessful attempts to return, with opposition accusing the government of blocking her, which authorities deny.