In Venezuela, criminal investigation launched against opposition candidate in presidential election

Venezuelan Prosecutor Opens Criminal Investigation Against Opposition Leaders

The Venezuelan public prosecutor’s office has initiated a criminal investigation against opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for various charges including usurpation of functions, dissemination of false information, incitement to disobey laws, incitement to insurrection, and association of wrongdoers. The opposition figures had called for support from the military and police, claiming victory in the presidential election held on July 28 despite the official announcement of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro as the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

Unrest and Multiple Deaths Following Election Result Proclamation

The announcement of Maduro’s victory sparked unrest, resulting in 11 civilian deaths according to human rights organizations. In response, President Maduro reported casualties among the national guard and over 2,000 arrests, vowing to crack down on what he labeled an imperialist coup attempt. The defense minister reaffirmed the army’s loyalty to Maduro as the legitimately re-elected leader and pledged to maintain internal order.

Opposition’s Dispute Over Election Results and International Reactions

The opposition, backed by a portion of the international community, contests the official results, presenting their own vote tally where Gonzalez Urrutia supposedly emerged as the victor with 67% of the vote. President Macron of France and former Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed support for transparent elections in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the United States called for peaceful negotiations and transparency in disclosing detailed election outcomes, a call denounced by the Venezuelan foreign ministry as an attempt to undermine the country’s democracy.

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Ongoing Protests and Polarization

In the aftermath of the election, supporters of Maduro rallied in Caracas almost daily, while tensions continued to rise between opposing factions advocating for peace or violence, patriotism or imperialism. The political crisis remains unresolved, with various parties at odds over the election results and the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Contributing Source: Le Monde with AFP