Venezuelan judge issues arrest warrant for Edmundo González, opposition’s former presidential candidate
NBCSEP 2024
Venezuela: Arrest Warrant Issued for Opposition Candidate
Image copyright: Alfredo Lasry R Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This latest development is further evidence of the Maduro regime's crackdown on the opposition, which has seen it unfairly arrest thousands. In an attempt to maintain his grip on power, Maduro stole the election and is now using the public prosecutor's office to cover his tracks.
Establishment-critical narrative
González and his co-conspirator, Machado, refused to concede defeat and likely fabricated public election documents, and committed acts of sabotage. This warrant isn't the result of some Maduro conspiracy but simply Gonzalez's failure to appear in court. Everyone has to follow the law, even leaders of the opposition.