Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González has sought asylum in Spain after leaving the country, according to the Spanish foreign minister. González, who ran against President Nicolas Maduro in July’s election, is considered the legitimate winner by the opposition and several foreign governments. The surprise departure came just days after the government ordered his arrest.
Venezuelan vice-president Delcy Rodriguez said González sought refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas and was granted safe passage out of the country in an effort to promote political peace. The 75-year-old former diplomat had been in hiding for a month, ignoring summons to appear before prosecutors who issued an arrest warrant for him post-election.
González’s campaign, as a last-minute replacement for banned opposition leader María Corina Machado, had ignited hopes for change in the midst of Venezuela’s economic crisis. Despite official results declaring Maduro the winner, many governments have yet to recognize his victory and are demanding a breakdown of votes.
Post-election violence in Venezuela has claimed lives and caused injuries, with thousands of arrests reported. The diplomatic tensions have escalated, with Venezuela revoking Brazil’s authorization to represent Argentina’s interests and accusing the embassy of plotting against Maduro and Rodriguez.
Brazil and Argentina have both rejected Venezuela’s move, urging Maduro to respect diplomatic conventions. González’s departure underscores the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela, with the opposition continuing to challenge the legitimacy of the government.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
