On Monday, the Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office issued an arrest warrant for former presidential candidate Edmundo González, who ran against Nicolás Maduro in the controversial July 28 election. The elections have been widely condemned as fraudulent by the opposition and several international observers.
The arrest order was made public on social media after González failed to appear for his third summons at the Public Ministry, which was scheduled for Friday, August 30 at 10:00 a.m., Caracas time. The charges listed by the Prosecutor's Office include usurpation of functions, forgery of public documents, incitement to disobey laws, criminal association, and conspiracy.
González has denied all charges as outlined in the document signed by Prosecutor Luis Ernesto Dueñez Reyes. In response to the accusations, opposition leader María Corina Machado took to X (formerly Twitter) stating, "They have lost all sense of reality. Threatening the Elected President only strengthens our resolve and increases the support for Edmundo González from Venezuelans and the international community. Serenity, courage, and firmness. We move forward."
Following the publication of election results on the website "Resultados con VZLA," which is affiliated with the opposition's Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD), the Prosecutor's Office accused González of publishing election records that indicated their victory, whereas the National Electoral Council had declared Maduro the winner.
Earlier in August, a document signed by Attorney General Tarek William Saab initiated a criminal investigation against María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia, prominent opposition leaders, accusing them of "incitement to insurrection."
Since July 28, the opposition has been denouncing the electoral fraud and accusing the government of brutally repressing protests that erupted after Maduro's proclamation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest Warrant for Edmundo González
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent arrest warrant issued for Edmundo González in Venezuela.
What are the charges against Edmundo González?
The charges against Edmundo González include usurpation of functions, forgery of public documents, incitement to disobey laws, criminal association, and conspiracy.
Why was the arrest warrant issued?
The arrest warrant was issued after González failed to appear for a summons at the Public Ministry and following accusations of publishing false election results.
How has the opposition reacted to the arrest warrant?
Opposition leader María Corina Machado condemned the warrant, stating it only strengthens their resolve and increases support for González from both Venezuelans and the international community.
What has been the international response to the election?
The election has been widely condemned as fraudulent by the opposition and various international observers.