BTN News: Recently, various media outlets have been abuzz with claims of alleged arrest warrants or threats of arrest against Venezuelan opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González. These rumors have stirred significant concern among their supporters and the general public. However, Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, has categorically denied these allegations in recent statements, attempting to quell the growing anxiety.
The opposition has been vocal about what they claim is substantial evidence of Nicolás Maduro’s failure in the recent presidential elections. They’ve organized demonstrations across multiple cities to express the population’s dissatisfaction with the results declared by the National Electoral Council (CNE), which proclaimed the Chavismo faction as the winner.
In an assertive piece for The Wall Street Journal, María Corina Machado detailed her stance, asserting that Maduro did not secure a victory in the presidential race. According to Machado, the true winner was Edmundo González, with a striking 67% of the votes compared to Maduro’s 30%. She backed her claims by stating that she had verifiable receipts from over 80% of the electoral tables nationwide. Machado also expressed her deep concerns for her safety and liberty, as well as that of her compatriots, under the authoritarian regime led by Nicolás Maduro. She hinted at the possibility of her imminent arrest while penning her column.
Amidst these swirling rumors, Costa Rica has extended an offer of political asylum to both Machado and González. Yet, Machado has graciously declined the offer, choosing to remain in Venezuela to stand with those demanding the recognition of González Urrutia as the legitimate victor.
In an interview with Caracol Radio, Tarek William Saab, the Attorney General of Venezuela, refuted claims of arrest warrants against Machado and González Urrutia. “I would like to see them, where are they? Present those orders, because they do not exist at this moment,” Saab stated emphatically. He further explained that there is an ongoing general investigation, which has led to the detention of individuals involved in setting public buildings on fire with people inside—actions he described as extremely serious. Saab highlighted that there have been incidents where masked protesters have called for violence, including killing.
Saab stressed that those engaging in actions such as attempting to burn down buildings or using Molotov cocktails must face the consequences, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses. He warned that any leader inciting acts of terrorism would be apprehended, though he refrained from naming specific individuals or making premature statements.
As tensions continue to rise in Venezuela, the international community watches closely. The opposition remains steadfast in its claims, while the government, represented by Saab, maintains a firm stance against what it views as unlawful and violent demonstrations. The situation underscores the deep political divide in the country, with each side holding to its narrative amid an increasingly volatile environment.
