Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, who was reported to have defeated Nicolás Maduro in the presidential elections last July, revealed on Wednesday that he was forced to sign a letter accepting a Supreme Court ruling that recognized Maduro's victory.
"It was either sign or face the consequences," González declared in a statement directed "to the Venezuelans to inform them of the whole truth about what happened with my departure from Venezuela."
González recounted that the incident took place at the residence of the Spanish ambassador in Caracas, where Vice President Delcy Rodríguez and her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, presented him with a letter he had to sign.
"It was followed by hours of intense coercion, blackmail, and pressure," González added, noting that he believed he would be more useful free than imprisoned. "The regime wants all Venezuelans to lose hope," but he assured that he "will never betray them."
The opposition leader emphasized that "a document produced under coercion is entirely invalid due to the severe lack of consent."
Jorge Rodríguez, on the other hand, displayed a two-page letter signed by González and warned that the 75-year-old former presidential candidate had 24 hours to retract his statements. "If you don't deny it within 24 hours, I'll release the audios. It's up to you, Mr. González," Rodríguez said, referring to the meetings held with his sister.
González is currently in Spain, where he was granted political asylum earlier this month after an arrest warrant was issued against him in Venezuela.
The National Electoral Council proclaimed Maduro as the winner of the July 28 presidential elections, sparking accusations of fraud and massive protests, with the opposition publishing online voting results confirming González's electoral victory.
This week, a UN report indicated that Maduro's government had intensified its repressive tactics to crush peaceful protests and maintain power following the disputed elections.
The electoral authority's declaration was supported by the country's Supreme Court, although no official figures have been released to back Maduro's victory.
Edmundo González's Coercion by Maduro's Regime: FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers about Edmundo González's coercion by Maduro's regime and the political situation in Venezuela.
What did Edmundo González reveal about his departure from Venezuela?
Edmundo González revealed that he was forced to sign a letter accepting a Supreme Court ruling recognizing Nicolás Maduro's victory under intense coercion, blackmail, and pressure at the Spanish ambassador's residence in Caracas.
Where is Edmundo González currently residing?
Edmundo González is currently residing in Spain, where he was granted political asylum earlier this month.
What was the reaction of the National Electoral Council regarding the elections?
The National Electoral Council proclaimed Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the July 28 presidential elections, which led to accusations of fraud and massive protests.
What did the UN report say about Maduro's government?
The UN report indicated that Maduro's government had intensified its repressive tactics to crush peaceful protests and maintain power following the disputed elections.