The Venezuelan capital Caracas was getting ready on Friday to host the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro's third consecutive term as leader. Several central avenues of the city were blocked for the celebration under heavy police patrols.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro will be sworn in for a third six-year term Friday despite international condemnation of his recent reelection as illegitimate, as his administration grows increasingly brazen in cracking down on opponents.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, whose nearly 12 years in office have been marked by a deep economic and social crisis, was sworn in for his third term on Friday, remaining in power despite a six-month-long dispute over a contested July election and international calls for him to stand aside.