Opposition Leader Claims Coercion Led to Controversial Signature Endorsing Maduro's Victory
Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has come forward to reveal troubling details about the circumstances surrounding his recent flight from Venezuela. Before leaving for Spain, he asserts that he was coerced into signing a document presented by representatives of Nicolás Maduro's government, under the threat of severe consequences if he refused. This claim contradicts the assertions made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which denies any political negotiations between Caracas and Madrid regarding his departure.
A photograph depicting the contentious meeting, reportedly held at the Spanish ambassador's residence, has been made public by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan National Assembly. In a video posted on social media, González Urrutia, who has been in exile seeking political asylum since September 8, refutes claims made by Rodríguez about his signed letter that purportedly validates Maduro's controversial election victory that occurred on July 28.
During the meeting at the Spanish ambassador's residence in Caracas, González describes very tense hours marked by coercion, blackmail, and pressure from high-ranking officials, including the vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. He recounts that signing the document was framed as his only option for obtaining safe passage out of Venezuela.
"Either I signed or I would face the consequences," he explained. The urgency of his situation led him to weigh that he might be more effective working from abroad than being imprisoned, stating, "I considered that I could be more useful free than locked up and unable to fulfill the tasks assigned to me by the sovereign." He firmly believes that a document produced under such duress is rendered null and void due to the lack of free consent.
González Urrutia has harsh words for Maduro's regime, which he accuses of employing deceitful tactics, manipulation, and threats. He is clear in his commitment not to betray his supporters and to remain vocal about their concerns. "What you should be spreading are the scrutiny records; the truth is what it is and is in the records that you intend to hide. You will not silence a country that has already spoken," he concluded with determination.
As Venezuelan politics continues to unfold in an environment of tension and uncertainty, González Urrutia's allegations shine a light on the challenging and often dangerous pathways faced by opposition leaders in Venezuela, raising significant questions about the legitimacy of political processes under the current government.
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