CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia ignored a second summons from prosecutors on Tuesday, as his coalition denounced what they called “judicial harassment” in the aftermath of President Nicolas Maduro’s disputed re-election.
Prosecutors, loyal to Maduro, seek to question the 74-year-old candidate, who has gone into hiding, regarding his claim—supported by the U.S. and other countries—that he was the rightful winner of the July 28 elections.
The Unitary Platform, the opposition coalition, maintains that Gonzalez Urrutia won “by an overwhelming majority” and is now the target of politically motivated charges. Gonzalez Urrutia is being investigated for “usurpation of functions” and “forgery of public documents” after publishing records suggesting he had secured victory. The opposition fears an arrest warrant may soon be issued against him.
President Maduro, moving forward with his plans for a third term, has reshuffled his cabinet, appointing loyalists to key positions, including Diosdado Cabello as the new interior minister and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as the oil minister. Meanwhile, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, disqualified from the ballot and replaced by Gonzalez Urrutia, accused Maduro’s government of “kidnapping” her lawyer, further escalating tensions.
The disputed election has sparked nationwide protests, resulting in 25 deaths and numerous arrests. International actors, including the U.S., the EU, and Latin American countries, have refused to recognize Maduro’s declared victory, citing lack of transparency and evidence. Observers note that Maduro’s ability to remain in power will largely depend on international pressure and continued opposition efforts.
