Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was 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.

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.

President Nicolás Maduro will extend his increasingly repressive rule over Venezuela until 2031 when he is sworn in on Friday, despite credible evidence that his opponent won the latest election and following protests against his plan to serve a third six-year term.