The United States offered a $25 million (£20 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro on Friday, as the Venezuelan dictator was sworn in for a third term.

Critics have denounced a fresh crackdown on opponents and critics in the lead-up to Friday's ceremony, with several activists and opposition figures arrested in recent days.

The US announces an increased $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelas President Maduro on day he's sworn in for a third term.

(AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrive at the National Assembly for his swearing-in ceremony for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Cristian Hernandez) Cuba’s ...

Maduro arrived at the Legislative Palace alongside First Lady and Congresswoman Cilia Flores, Executive Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez, and her brother and Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez.

Electoral authorities loyal to the ruling party declared Maduro the winner hours after polls closed on July 28, but unlike in previous presidential elections, they did not provide detailed vote counts.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrive at the National Assembly for his swear-in ceremony for a third term in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP Photo ...

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.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, center, his wife Cilia Flores, left, and National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez arrive at the National Assembly for Maduro’s swearing-in ceremony for a ...