A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for opposition politician Edmundo González following the recent presidential election, in which he was widely believed to have beaten President Nicolás Maduro. The 75-year-old retired diplomat was in the spotlight as he challenged Maduro in place of the banned opposition leader María Corina Machado. Maduro claimed victory without proof, despite evidence suggesting his defeat due to public anger over economic collapse.
Countries including Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and the EU have refused to accept Maduro’s claim without evidence. The public prosecutor’s office requested González’s arrest for alleged crimes including criminal association and conspiracy, which could see him spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Opposition leader Machado denounced the decision, accusing Venezuela’s administration of losing touch with reality. She called for continued support for González. The political crisis has led to uncertainty and apprehension in Venezuela, with over 1,700 people detained in protests against Maduro’s claim.
Human rights groups report the release of some arrested teenagers, while others face terrorism charges in high-security prisons. Key allies of Machado and González have been captured by secret police. González, labelled a terrorist by the interior minister, is missing, and Machado is in hiding but continues to participate in opposition protests.
The situation remains tense as Maduro shows no sign of relinquishing power before the inauguration of the next president in January. The charges against González and his allies are seen as part of an attempt to suppress opposition and maintain Maduro’s grip on power.
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