Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has left for Spain seeking asylum following the disputed results of July’s election. The 75-year-old challenger to President Nicolas Maduro had a warrant issued for his arrest, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes. Gonzalez, seen by the U.S., EU, and other powers as the true winner of the vote, left Venezuela on a Spanish Air Force plane after seeking refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it a sad day for democracy in Venezuela, emphasizing that political leaders should not have to seek asylum in other countries. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez stated that authorities gave Gonzalez safe passage to restore political peace in the country.
Gonzalez’s departure was a surprising turn of events for the former diplomat who took over the candidacy in March. The opposition claims that the July election showed a decisive victory for Gonzalez, while Maduro has dismissed these accusations as part of a right-wing plot against his government.
Spanish officials, including former Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, reportedly held negotiations with Venezuelan authorities before Gonzalez’s departure. In a separate incident, Venezuelan security forces surrounded the Argentine embassy in Caracas where six Venezuelan political opposition figures are staying, leading to concerns about their safety.
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