A key aide to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, Magalli Meda, reported that armed men raided her home in Caracas on Thursday night. The incident occurred as Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a controversial amnesty law, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to political reconciliation.
Meda, who is currently outside of Venezuela after previously seeking asylum with other opposition figures at the Argentine embassy in Caracas, said a group of 16 armed individuals arrived in six vehicles and spent hours searching her residence. According to Meda, the group “destroyed and took or planted whatever they pleased,” leaving notices labeling items as “secured” and “confiscated.”
Sharing details on X, formerly known as Twitter, Meda noted the timing of the raid coincided with the passage of the amnesty legislation. “While political prisoners remain, repression continues, and property is seized – as happened with our home – there will be no amnesty, no transition, no freedom, no democracy, or return of family members in Venezuela,” she wrote.
Meda: “No habrá libertad mientras el gobierno administre la ley de amnistía”
Meda stated the message sent by the raid was clear: “There will be no amnesty, no freedom, no property, no rights while criminals pretend to administer ‘law’ and ‘pardon’ in Venezuela.”
This is not the first time Meda’s home has been targeted. She recalled a similar incident in May 2025, when 13 armed individuals entered her residence, removing boxes of belongings and causing damage. She added that her mother’s home was likewise raided the following day, with her car stolen and the property subsequently sealed off and inaccessible.
The amnesty law, approved unanimously by the Venezuelan Parliament on February 20, was presented by the ruling party as a step toward a new political future. However, non-governmental organizations and opposition groups have expressed skepticism about the potential for genuine reconciliation.
Meda sought refuge at the Argentine ambassador’s residence in Caracas from March 2024 to May 2025, along with other Machado collaborators, after Venezuelan prosecutors issued arrest warrants against them on charges including treason and conspiracy. In May 2025, the U.S. Government confirmed that the opposition figures had been rescued and transported to the United States.
