Edmundo Gonzalez, the Venezuelan opposition leader who contested President Nicolas Maduro in the recent July elections, has alleged that he was coerced into signing a letter accepting the ruling of Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which declared Maduro the winner.
“Either I signed or I faced the consequences,” Gonzalez stated, emphasizing that his decision stemmed from threats to his safety.
Currently residing in Spain, Gonzalez was granted political asylum earlier this month after a warrant for his arrest was issued in Venezuela.
His claims follow widespread discord regarding the electoral process, as Gonzalez’s supporters have circulated alternative vote tallies suggesting he actually won the election held on July 28.
Jorge Rodriguez, a prominent figure in Maduro’s ruling socialist party and president of the National Assembly, challenged Gonzalez’s assertions.
He claimed that Gonzalez had “24 hours to deny” his statements or else face the release of recorded evidence contradicting his narrative.
