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.

Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro began a third term as president on Friday, cementing his increasingly authoritarian rule.

President Nicolas Maduro extended his rule over Venezuela until 2031 when he was sworn in on Friday, despite credible evidence that his opponent won the latest election. The swearing-in followed protests against his plan to serve a third six-year term.