Arrest warrant issued for Venezuela opposition candidate
A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the opposition candidate from the recent presidential election, following a request from the public prosecutor’s office, which is aligned with President Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro was declared the winner of the July election by the electoral council, which is known for its loyalty to the government. However, the government has not released any evidence to substantiate its victory claim, while the opposition asserts that their polling data indicates González won by a significant margin.
The arrest warrant was swiftly issued by Judge Edward Briceño, who oversees terrorism-related cases in Venezuela, immediately after receiving the prosecutor’s request.
President Maduro remarked, “No one in this country is above the laws, above the institutions,” during his weekly television program, as reported by AFP news agency.
This development marks a notable escalation in political tensions within Venezuela. González, who ran against Maduro, has been in hiding since the election. His opposition alliance has released data claiming he won the election by over 30%, which has prompted the arrest warrant.
González faces accusations of “serious crimes,” including the “usurpation” of public duties, document falsification, incitement of disobedience, and sabotage, according to the public prosecutor. He has denied any wrongdoing.
The European Union has said it will not recognize Mr. Maduro as having won re-election in July without seeing detailed voting tallies.
Several Latin American countries have also withheld their support, with Mr Maduro’s former ally, President Lula of Brazil, among those calling for full transparency by the Venezuelan government.
The US has recognized Mr. González as having won the most votes, saying there is “overwhelming” evidence of Maduro’s defeat.
However, the government-controlled National Electoral Council declared President Maduro the winner, prompting major protests across Venezuela.
The government of President Maduro has detained more than 2,400 people since the election, creating what the UN has called “a climate of fear”.
Now, the possibility that Mr González may also be detained on charges of inciting public disorder and conspiracy has suddenly become far more likely.
Earlier, the US Department of Justice seized a plane used by President Maduro, saying it was obtained in violation of US sanctions on Venezuela.
In response, President Maduro’s government accused Washington of “piracy” and of “illegally imposing its will” around the world.
