Arrest Warrant Issued for Maduro Rival Backed by the West
Venezuelan prosecutors have charged Edmundo Gonzalez with multiple offenses, including "the incitement to disobey the law." Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Venezuela's Edmundo Gonzalez faces multiple charges, including incitement to disobey the law.
Authorities in Venezuela have issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo Gonzalez, who was the primary challenger to President Nicolas Maduro in the recent presidential election. A number of Western nations, including the United States, have refused to acknowledge Maduro’s victory, stating that Gonzalez should be the one taking office.
On Monday, the Prosecutor’s Office announced multiple charges against Gonzalez, including incitement to disobey laws, usurpation of public functions, forgery of public documents, conspiracy, criminal association, and sabotage. Gonzalez has denied these allegations.
Responding to these accusations, Maduro remarked that “no one in this country is above the laws, above the institutions.” He further stated that the Prosecutor’s Office had summoned Gonzalez—whom he referred to as a “coward”—three times, but Gonzalez did not appear, asserting that he does not recognize their authority.
The opposition coalition known as the Unitary Platform, which backed Gonzalez during the election, has expressed “strong condemnation” regarding what they describe as the “deepening of the political persecution” against him.
According to the National Electoral Council, Maduro secured the presidency in the July election with 52% of the votes cast. Nonetheless, opposition figures have alleged electoral fraud, with Gonzalez asserting he actually received 67% of the vote.
In the wake of the disputed election results, the US, along with the EU and several other countries, has refused to acknowledge Maduro as the legitimate president. In contrast, countries like Russia and China extended their congratulations to Maduro on his reelection.
The US and Venezuela have had a contentious relationship for many years, with attempts at regime change by the US occurring at least once. In 2019, the US recognized Juan Guaido, then the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, as the legitimate interim president while actively supporting the opposition. Additionally, Washington has enforced severe economic sanctions on Venezuela, specifically targeting its oil sector.
In another development highlighting the ongoing tensions, the US announced the seizure of Maduro’s plane in the Dominican Republic on Monday, claiming it had been illegally smuggled from the US. Caracas condemned this action as “piracy” and a gross violation of international law.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
Authorities in Venezuela have issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo Gonzalez, who was the primary challenger to President Nicolas Maduro in the recent presidential election. A number of Western nations, including the United States, have refused to acknowledge Maduro’s victory, stating that Gonzalez should be the one taking office.
On Monday, the Prosecutor’s Office announced multiple charges against Gonzalez, including incitement to disobey laws, usurpation of public functions, forgery of public documents, conspiracy, criminal association, and sabotage. Gonzalez has denied these allegations.
Responding to these accusations, Maduro remarked that “no one in this country is above the laws, above the institutions.” He further stated that the Prosecutor’s Office had summoned Gonzalez—whom he referred to as a “coward”—three times, but Gonzalez did not appear, asserting that he does not recognize their authority.
The opposition coalition known as the Unitary Platform, which backed Gonzalez during the election, has expressed “strong condemnation” regarding what they describe as the “deepening of the political persecution” against him.
According to the National Electoral Council, Maduro secured the presidency in the July election with 52% of the votes cast. Nonetheless, opposition figures have alleged electoral fraud, with Gonzalez asserting he actually received 67% of the vote.
In the wake of the disputed election results, the US, along with the EU and several other countries, has refused to acknowledge Maduro as the legitimate president. In contrast, countries like Russia and China extended their congratulations to Maduro on his reelection.
The US and Venezuela have had a contentious relationship for many years, with attempts at regime change by the US occurring at least once. In 2019, the US recognized Juan Guaido, then the president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, as the legitimate interim president while actively supporting the opposition. Additionally, Washington has enforced severe economic sanctions on Venezuela, specifically targeting its oil sector.
In another development highlighting the ongoing tensions, the US announced the seizure of Maduro’s plane in the Dominican Republic on Monday, claiming it had been illegally smuggled from the US. Caracas condemned this action as “piracy” and a gross violation of international law.
Camille Lefevre contributed to this report for TROIB News
