Unbroken Spirit: Edmundo González Vows to Keep Venezuela’s Freedom Flame Burning from Afar
Edmundo González Urrutia Speaks Out from Exile in Spain
Edmundo González Urrutia, the opponent of Nicolás Maduro in the Venezuelan presidential elections, has spoken out for the first time since his arrival in Spain.
González, who claims victory in the elections, stated that “the fight” for Venezuela’s “freedom” will continue from exile in Spain, where he arrived on Sunday.
“I trust that we will soon continue the fight to ensure freedom and the restoration of democracy in Venezuela,” said the 75-year-old diplomat in a 41-second audio broadcast by his press team.
Persecution and Exile
González’s departure from Venezuela was announced on Saturday night, amidst a strong persecution by the Maduro regime. He had an arrest warrant with his name, despite lacking legal grounds, for serious crimes.
The Spanish Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that González traveled to Spain on an Air Force plane, accompanied by his wife and the Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs, Diego Martínez Belío.
Disputed Election Results
González was the opponent of Nicolás Maduro in the July 28 presidential elections. Maduro was declared the winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE) with 52% of the votes.
However, the CNE has not published the election records showing the result, citing a “cyber terrorist attack.” The opposition, led by María Corina Machado, has published over 80% of the electoral records, which indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia won with 67% of the votes.