US calls for halt to harassment of Venezuela opposition

WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - The White House on Thursday called for a halt to what it described as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his representatives' harassment of the political opposition, in response to the detention of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

"We have and continue to condemn publicly Maduro and his representatives for attempting to intimidate Venezuela's democratic opposition," a White House spokesperson said in a statement issued shortly before Machado's movement said she had been freed after a brief detention.

(Reporting By Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Chris Reese)

((Matt.Spetalnick@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202 898 8300 ; Reuters Messaging: matt.spetalnick@thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))