Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Is Sworn In Despite Credible Evidence Of Election Loss

Maduro took the oath of office a day after the political opposition’s most prominent leader reported she had been briefly detained by state security forces.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in Friday to serve a third six-year term, extending his increasingly repressive rule until 2031 despite protests and credible evidence that his opponent won the election.

Venezuela’s legislative palace, where he was sworn in, was heavily guarded by police, military and intelligence officers. Crowds of people, many sporting pro-Maduro T-shirts, gathered in adjacent streets and a nearby plaza.

Standing before officials, Maduro cited historic figures including his predecessor, Hugo Chávez.

“I swear by history, I swear by my life,” Maduro said. His followers erupted into cheers.

One of them was Maricarmen Ruiz, 18, who couldn’t hold back her tears.