Venezuela's top prosecutor has initiated a criminal investigation against opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González and leader Maria Corina Machado. The investigation stems from their call for the armed forces to withdraw support for President Nicolás Maduro and cease repressing demonstrators.
The Attorney General's statement linked the investigation directly to a written appeal made by the opposition members regarding Maduro and the ongoing protests defending the July 28 election results. The duo was accused of falsely declaring a winner of the election and inciting police and military officials to disobey laws.
The appeal allegedly showed the commission of crimes such as usurpation of functions, dissemination of false information, and conspiracy. Despite the opposition's claims of victory, Maduro has been declared the winner without providing voting tallies.
Maduro's government has reportedly arrested 2,000 opponents following the election, with at least 11 deaths reported in post-electoral unrest. Human rights organizations have criticized the government's response, citing the disproportionate use of force and arbitrary arrests.
González and Machado, currently in hiding, have urged Venezuelans with family in the security forces to refrain from attacking protesters and disobeying illegal orders. They have promised guarantees to soldiers following the constitution while warning against impunity for those involved in abuses.
Internationally, pressure is mounting for Venezuela to disclose the full breakdown of electoral results. Some leaders, including Brazil's President and Chile's President, have expressed doubts about Maduro's victory claim and called for respect for popular sovereignty.
While a few allies like Russia, China, and Cuba have supported Maduro, others like Iran have reiterated congratulations and condemned foreign interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
