Edmundo González, opposition candidate in Venezuela's July 28 elections, arrived in Spain after being granted political asylum due to pressure and threats in his country. Venezuela's vice president confirmed his departure, while the Spanish foreign minister assured that his government defends the political rights of Venezuelans. Venezuela's attorney general showed respect for Maduro's decision to grant safe passage to González, who had suffered harassment and threats in his nation.
The US Secretary of State called González's departure the result of Maduro's anti-democratic measures, while the EU lamented the sad day for democracy in Venezuela. After requesting political asylum in Spain, González pledged to continue fighting for freedom and democracy in his country from abroad. Amid a wave of repression following the elections, the life of the opposition leader was in danger and protective measures were taken.
Previously a presidential candidate, González was the subject of an arrest warrant by the Venezuelan government, accused of multiple crimes. Following the election, violence claimed lives and injured thousands, with thousands arrested and creating an atmosphere of fear, according to the UN. Despite the situation, opposition leaders such as María Corina Machado have decided to stay in the country and continue fighting.
González's path to politics began after he was chosen as a presidential candidate against Maduro due to the disqualification of other opponents. With a background in International Relations, and diplomatic experience in several countries, González accepted the responsibility of running with the aim of promoting national reconciliation and strengthening democracy in Venezuela.
González's decision to seek asylum in Spain is a reflection of the political situation in Venezuela, marked by repression, insecurity and the violation of democratic rights. His departure continues the fight for freedom and democracy in the South American country, where violence and political persecution have generated a climate of uncertainty and fear among the population.
https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/clyn7ezy5n3o
The US Secretary of State called González's departure the result of Maduro's anti-democratic measures, while the EU lamented the sad day for democracy in Venezuela. After requesting political asylum in Spain, González pledged to continue fighting for freedom and democracy in his country from abroad. Amid a wave of repression following the elections, the life of the opposition leader was in danger and protective measures were taken.
Previously a presidential candidate, González was the subject of an arrest warrant by the Venezuelan government, accused of multiple crimes. Following the election, violence claimed lives and injured thousands, with thousands arrested and creating an atmosphere of fear, according to the UN. Despite the situation, opposition leaders such as María Corina Machado have decided to stay in the country and continue fighting.
González's path to politics began after he was chosen as a presidential candidate against Maduro due to the disqualification of other opponents. With a background in International Relations, and diplomatic experience in several countries, González accepted the responsibility of running with the aim of promoting national reconciliation and strengthening democracy in Venezuela.
González's decision to seek asylum in Spain is a reflection of the political situation in Venezuela, marked by repression, insecurity and the violation of democratic rights. His departure continues the fight for freedom and democracy in the South American country, where violence and political persecution have generated a climate of uncertainty and fear among the population.
https://www.bbc.com/mundo/articles/clyn7ezy5n3o
