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.

Despite widespread domestic and international dissent, the Chavista president is pressing ahead with plans to be sworn in for another term on Friday

The Venezuelan leader, who counts on the backing of Russia and Cuba, the military, courts, and electoral commission, has claimed that a senior FBI official was among a group of seven "mercenaries" arrested this week. The US State Department denied US involvement in any coup plot.