Venezuela’s Attorney General announced on Monday that the court has approved the prosecution’s request to issue an arrest warrant for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez. He is accused of conspiracy and other offenses. The Venezuelan presidential election has sparked controversy, with the opposition claiming victory while the National Electoral Council, which supports incumbent President Maduro, declared Maduro the winner.
The arrest warrant for Gonzalez was shared by Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek Saab via Telegram with Reuters.
The arrest warrant was issued after Prosecutor Luis Ernesto Duenez requested Gonzalez’s arrest on charges of usurping government functions, forging public documents, inciting lawlessness, conspiracy, and illegal assembly.
The issuance of an arrest warrant for Gonzalez signifies a significant escalation in the Maduro government’s crackdown on the opposition following the controversial election.
The National Electoral Council and the Supreme Court of Venezuela asserted that Maduro won the election on July 28 with slightly more than half the votes, but statistics shared by the opposition show Gonzalez’s overwhelming victory in the election.
Prior to the issuance of the arrest warrant, high-ranking officials in the Maduro government had repeatedly stated that Gonzalez and other opposition members should be imprisoned.
Maduro also stated on national television, “This person shamelessly claims he does not recognize the law, he does not recognize anything. How is this possible? This is unacceptable.” He added, “Citizens agree that the law must be enforced, and officials must fulfill their duties.”
The opposition, some Western countries, and international organizations such as the United Nations expert group have all expressed concerns about the transparency of Venezuela’s voting process, calling for authorities to disclose complete vote counts. Some have openly criticized the election for fraudulent activities.
Gonzalez’s spokesperson stated they are awaiting official notification and have not made further comments. The opposition has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado stated on X, “Threats to the elected president will only generate greater unity, increasing support for Gonzalez among the Venezuelan people and worldwide.”
The opposition has publicly posted data on a website, claiming it represents over 80% of the voting statistics copies. The Venezuelan Electoral Commission stated that they were subjected to a cyber-attack on the election night, preventing them from disclosing complete statistical figures.
The opposition believes that the government is continuing its repression of dissenting voices, with Gonzalez’s arrest warrant being just one part of a series of crackdowns.
Attorney General Saab has initiated a criminal investigation against Machado and the opposition’s vote-counting website. Since the election, authorities have continued to arrest opposition members and protesters.
Protests have led to at least 27 deaths, with around 2,400 people arrested.
Two sources told Reuters that the United States has drafted a list of about 60 Venezuelan government officials and their family members expected to face American sanctions.