Machado's team says three attempts to return to Venezuela failed in 24 hours
The circle around Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado said this week that three attempts to return to Venezuela from Panama, by sea and by air, were thwarted within roughly 24 hours. One was recorded in a flight manifest placing her among the passengers of an aircraft that never took off; the document does not establish why.
Venezuelan opposition leader Mariana Corina Machado and her supporters have reported three failed attempts to return to Venezuela over the course of just 24 hours in Panama. The efforts, conducted by sea and air from the country, were thwarted on each occasion, according to international relations adviser Pedro Urruchurtu. Journalist Idania Chirinos, accompanying Machado in Panama, explained that a sea crossing was halted due to mechanical faults, a flight to Aruba did not take off, and a trip via Curaçao was canceled.
Chirinos described Machado as a "prisoner in Panama." Her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, confirmed her continued presence in the country. A flight schedule obtained by UHN Plus revealed a planned Beechcraft BE-90F flight from Panama City to Curaçao, carrying Machado and four others. The document, described as diplomatic, suggests Machado would travel on a Panamanian passport.
However, her Venezuelan passport had long expired and remained unrenewed. The reasons behind the interruptions remain unclear, with two main hypotheses: U.S. obstruction or Venezuelan government intervention. The opposition leader's party, Voluntad Popular, previously noted Venezuela's constitution entitles citizens to enter their territory, urging interim authorities to facilitate her return.
U.S. officials have avoided direct comments, though Trump stated he had not instructed Machado not to return.
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