Arrest warrant issued for Venezuela opposition candidate
Arrest warrant issued for Venezuela opposition candidate
The Facts
On Monday, a Venezuelan judge issued an arrest order for former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, who claims victory in the July disputed election against Nicolas Maduro. The arrest warrant was issued after three missed electoral conspiracy and document forgery court appearances.On Monday, a Venezuelan judge issued an arrest order for former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who claims victory in the July disputed election against Nicolas Maduro. The arrest warrant was issued after three missed electoral conspiracy and document forgery court appearances.
The public prosecutor's office, loyal to President Nicolás Maduro, requested the arrest warrant against M. Gonzalez, which Judge Edward Briceño issued. "No one in this country is above the laws, above the institutions," Maduro stated Monday on his weekly television show.The public prosecutor's office, loyal to President Nicolás Maduro, requested the arrest warrant against Mr. Gonzalez, which Judge Edward Briceño issued. "No one in this country is above the laws, above the institutions," Maduro stated Monday on his weekly television show.
The Spin
Following the July 28 presidential election, the Maduro government has intensified its crackdown on the opposition, arresting thousands. On Monday, the political crisis in Venezuela took a dramatic turn when it came to light that the public prosecutor's office, which is loyal to President Nicolás Maduro, had requested Gonzalez's arrest for alleged criminal association and conspiracy. Both of these offenses can result in long prison sentences. One would expect such behavior from a thug like Maduro.
Gonzalez and his co-conspirator, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, fabricated public election documents, committed acts of sabotage, and have connections to organized crime and terrorism financing. The authorities wanted to question Gonzalez in relation to these crimes. Failing to appear in court three times resulted in a warrant for his arrest. The authorities aim to prosecute him and send him to prison for his complicity in these crimes. Everyone has to follow the law, even leaders of the opposition.
