Former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez has fled Venezuela for Spain amid rising diplomatic tensions and a disputed election. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that Gonzalez sought refuge at the Spanish embassy in Caracas before departing on a Spanish Air Force plane.
The move follows an arrest warrant issued by Venezuelan authorities, accusing Gonzalez of conspiracy and other charges related to his claims of winning the July election. President Nicolas Maduro’s government has faced international criticism for alleged election irregularities.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares emphasized Spain’s commitment to Gonzalez’s political rights and noted that Venezuela granted him safe passage to “promote political peace.” Meanwhile, Argentina and Brazil have called on Venezuela to adhere to the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations, following tensions over opposition figures seeking asylum in the Argentine embassy in Caracas.
