Venezuelans rally in several cities for Machado return and elections

Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado rallied in several cities, calling for her safe return from exile and free presidential elections as a path to restoring democracy. Demonstrators rode motorcycle convoys and waved Venezuelan flags; some called for an election timetable and the release of political prisoners. Machado’s supporters say the government has repeatedly prevented her return, an allegation authorities deny, and the opposition says she has made several unsuccessful attempts. The protests come amid continuing concerns about political repression: hundreds of detainees have reportedly been released in recent months, while human rights groups say more than 300 political prisoners remain in custody.