Masked assailants ransack Venezuela opposition leader’s headquarters

Images published by Ms Machado’s party on social media show several walls covered in black spray paint

President Nicolas Maduro (Fernando Vergara/AP)

A group of masked assailants ransacked the headquarters of Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on Friday in the latest escalation of violence against opponents of Nicolas Maduro following the country’s disputed presidential election.

The raid occurred at around 3am, Ms Machado’s party said, adding that the assailants broke down doors and hauled away valuable documents and equipment.