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.

Machado, a former lawmaker who has spearheaded the opposition to President Nicolas Maduro in recent years, was detained by security agents who shot at motorcycles she was using to leave a protest in Caracas, the capital, according to posts on social media from her party. She was freed about an hour later, according to the party.

President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for another six years on Friday, after claiming to win an election in July that many inside and outside Venezuela say he lost decisively.

Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro began a third term as president on Friday, cementing his increasingly authoritarian rule.

President-elect Donald Trump gave Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a stern warning on Thursday not to harm his country’s opposition leader.

Nicolás Maduro took the oath before parliament, vowing his third six-year term in office would be a "period of peace".

President Nicolás Maduro will extend his increasingly repressive rule over Venezuela until 2031 when he is sworn in on Friday, despite credible evidence that his opponent won the latest election and following protests against his plan to serve a third six-year term.

I'm good, I'm safe,” Machado said, adding “Venezuela will be free.” Supporters are protesting against President Nicolas Maduro.

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.

Lawmakers are taking action following the swearing-in of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, despite credible evidence that he lost the last election.<a class="excerpt-read-more" href=" More