Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, the candidate for the opposition party in Venezuela’s presidential election in July and Nicolas Maduro’s political opponent, was forced to flee Venezuela.
Gonzalez arrived with his wife in Spain on Sunday. His departure from Venezuela was part of an arrangement with Maduro’s government after an arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez last week. The diplomat and recent presidential candidate was charged with multiple crimes, including conspiracy and falsifying documents, among other charges, according to the Associated Press.
Gonzalez is believed to be the rightful winner in Venezuela’s July presidential election. His opposition party allegedly provided proof of voter tallies in the country showing Gonzalez as the victor. However, Maduro, the country’s president, claimed victory and refused to cede power. The National Electoral Council, believed to be aligned with Maduro, declared him the winner in July but has been unable to provide any evidence of his victory.
Upon his arrival in Spain, Gonzalez released a statement to his supporters, encouraging them not to give up, the Associated Press reported. He explained he was forced to flee the country.
“My departure from Caracas was surrounded by acts of pressure, coercion, and threats,” Gonzalez said. “I trust that we will soon continue our fight to achieve our freedom and the restoration of Venezuela’s democracy.”
Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela’s opposition party leader, also under fire from Maduro’s government, cited dangerous conditions and threats to Gonzalez’s life as reasons for his departure to Spain.
“His life was in danger, and the increasing threats, summons, arrest warrants, and even attempts at blackmail and coercion to which he has been subjected, demonstrate that the regime has no scruples,” Machado posted on X. “Let this be very clear to everyone: Edmundo will fight from outside alongside our diaspora.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Despite Machado’s message, many who oppose Maduro and had hoped he would be removed from power were left feeling defeated after news of Gonzalez’s exile, the Associated Press reported. After weeks of protests without any results other than statements from international governments condemning the election, many see Gonzalez’s departure as defeat.
“What little hope we had left, it went with him,” said one of his supporters in a statement to the Associated Press.
