The Venezuelan capital Caracas was getting ready on Friday to host the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro's third consecutive term as leader. Several central avenues of the city were blocked for the celebration under heavy police patrols.

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.

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.

Police are out in force in the streets of Venezuela’s capital as the opposition calls for major anti-government protests.

Venezuela pro-democracy figurehead Maria Corina Machado was briefly detained by security forces after emerging from months of hiding to lead a protest

During her detention, an aide said, Maria Corina Machado “was forced to record several videos.” She has garnered enormous support for her opposition to Nicolás Maduro.

President Nicolás Maduro is set to be sworn in for a third six-year term Friday, extending his rule over Venezuela until 2031. The ceremony comes despite credible allegations of electoral fraud favoring opposition candidate Edmundo González and widespread protests challenging the legitimacy of Maduro's presidency.

Venezuela pro-democracy figurehead Maria Corina Machado was briefly detained by security forces Thursday after emerging from months of hiding to lead a protest in Caracas, defiantly promising after her release that her country "will be FREE!

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in Friday for a new term, extending his increasingly repressive rule in the face of renewed protests and rebukes from the United States and others who believe he stole last year’s vote.

President-elect Donald Trump says Venezuela's embattled opposition leader must be protected as President Nicolas Maduro takes the oath of office for a third six-year term.

Maduro’s inauguration seals an election outcome that opposition politicians and the US government say was stolen.