Opposition leader in Venezuela faces arrest warrant following contested election

A Venezuelan judge issued an arrest warrant for opposition politician Edmundo González, who is believed to have beaten President Nicolás Maduro in the recent election. González faces charges that could lead to a lifetime in prison if convicted. Maduro claimed victory in the election without providing evidence, despite indications of a heavy defeat due to public anger over the country’s economic collapse. Countries and international bodies have refused to recognize Maduro’s claim without proof, with the EU declaring him illegitimate as president. The public prosecutor’s office requested González’s arrest for alleged crimes including criminal association and conspiracy. Opposition leader María Corina Machado denounced the decision as a sign of the administration losing touch with reality and called for supporters to remain calm. González had promised to build a prosperous and peaceful country if elected but Venezuela is now facing uncertainty and apprehension. Following protests against Maduro’s claim to power, over 1,700 people have been detained, with hundreds facing terrorism charges. Key allies of González and Machado have been arrested by secret police. Both González and Machado have gone into hiding, with their whereabouts unknown. The situation in Venezuela remains tense as the country braces for the next president’s inauguration in January.

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