The recent arrest warrant issued against the opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia sparked a wave of rejection and concern internationally, amid accusations of fraud and increasing repression by the regime. Nicolas Maduro.
The ruling, issued by a Venezuelan court, generated strong reactions in the United States, in the European Union and in several Latin American nations, which see the measure as an attempt to silence the opposition.
González Urrutia, who repeatedly denounced that the autocrat’s reelection in the July 28 elections was fraudulenthas been in hiding for just over a month. The Venezuelan justice system accuses him of several crimes, including “disobedience of laws”, “conspiracy”, “usurpation of functions” and “sabotage”.
So far, the arrest warrant has not been executed, according to his lawyer, José Vicente Haro, He also clarified that the opposition leader did not request asylum in any embassy, although this remains an option under consideration.
The international reaction was not long in coming. The EU, through its spokesman, Advice of Homeland Security, John Kirby, He called the arrest warrant “another example of Mr. Maduro’s efforts to maintain power by force.”
For its part, Matthew Miller, State Department spokesman said Washington is considering “a number of options” to show the Chavista leader that his actions will have consequences.
Along the same lines, the head of diplomacy of the EU, Josep Borrell, “categorically” rejected the court order, while a spokesman for the HIM reported that they are following the events in Venezuela “with concern.”
In addition, a group of nine Latin American countries issued a joint statement condemning the arrest warrant, calling it “political persecution” and an attempt to “ignore the popular will.” Brazil y Colombia They expressed their “deep concern”, warning that Maduro “makes it difficult to find a peaceful solution”.
The Chavista, for his part, intensified his attacks against González Urrutia, whom he called a “coward” for staying hidden, suggesting that the opposition leader is planning to flee the country.
In the midst of this crisis, the opposition Maria Corina Machado In X, he thanked the international community for its support, reinforcing the opposition’s determination to achieve a democratic transition.
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2024-09-07 00:36:59