Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro has ordered the arrest of his political opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, following a contested election that opposition leaders and international observers say was rigged. González, a retired diplomat, has gone into hiding, accusing Maduro of stealing the election.
Prosecutors in Venezuela have charged Gonzalez with forgery, incitement to disobedience, and ties to organized crime. Maduro’s government has also accused him of working with terrorism financiers, though opposition leaders argue these charges are politically motivated.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called the arrest warrant a sign that Maduro is losing control. “Maduro has lost all touch with reality,” Machado said, reaffirming the opposition’s commitment to fighting for democracy in Venezuela.
The U.S., European Union, and several Latin American countries have refused to recognize the election results, casting doubt on Maduro’s claims of victory. Data from the opposition suggests that González may have won by a large margin, further questioning the legitimacy of the election.
As Maduro’s regime continues its crackdown, dozens of protesters have been killed in recent weeks, raising concerns about the country’s slide into authoritarianism. International leaders are calling for new, transparent elections to restore democracy in Venezuela.
