The opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia ruled out the possibility of requesting political asylum or being a guest in one of the embassies accredited in the countryafter learning of the arrest warrant against him. This was confirmed by his lawyer José Vicente Haro on the morning of September 3.
“In no way, and this is important to clarify, the family informs me that in no way has Mr. Edmundo González Urrutia requested asylum from any duly accredited embassy in Venezuela. He has not requested asylum, he has not requested a status as a guest in an embassy. That is an issue that has not been raised,” the lawyer stressed to the media.
Earlier, in an interview with W Radio, Haro said that this scenario was not considered or planned, a very brave decision. His greatest wish is to be close to the Venezuelans and reciprocate the support they have given him.”
The opposition candidate’s wife, Mercedes González, is in her home to “attend” to the authorities in case a raid occurs, the lawyer explained. “Our work here will be dedicated to receiving the authorities when they see fit to visit the residence to carry out what, as we understand from the publications that have been made on social media, is an arrest warrant for Edmundo González.”
He said that it was already known that there was an arrest warrant against González Urrutia, so he considered it unnecessary to make the document public and, in that sense, explained that he does not stay permanently in a residence. “He has to go from house to house to protect his life,” he added.
The defense attorney explained that the case against the opposition presidential candidate should not have been prosecuted because it has nothing to do with the facts mentioned by the Prosecutor’s Office, since the investigation is against those who created the website where the minutes are posted.
He also clarified that in Venezuela “there is no criminal law, no rule, regulation or instruction that establishes this as a criminal offense.”
The First Special Anti-Terrorist Court issued an arrest warrant against González Urrutia on the night of September 2, and commissioned the Scientific, Criminal and Criminal Investigations Corps (CICPC) to execute it.
This follows a request from the Prosecutor’s Office, signed by assistant prosecutor Luis Ernesto Dueñez Reyes, who had already issued three subpoenas in the framework of the investigation into the website resultadosconvzla.com and the presidential election voting records posted there, which the authorities describe as “forged.”
According to the 58th National Prosecutor’s Office, which is handling the case, the diplomat allegedly committed crimes of usurpation of functions, forgery of public documents, instigation to disobedience of laws, conspiracy, sabotage to damage systems and association.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office first summoned González Urrutia for August 26, then for the 27th, and then for Friday the 30th of the same month. At that time, he was warned that if he did not appear, an arrest warrant would be issued, considering that he was “at risk of flight.” The diplomat did not attend any of the summonses.
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2024-09-05 17:24:15
Edmundo González Urrutia: Opposition Candidate’s Stance on Political Asylum Amid Arrest Warrant
Table of Contents
In a significant development in Venezuelan politics, Edmundo González Urrutia, the leading opposition presidential candidate, has firmly dismissed the idea of seeking political asylum or temporary refuge in any accredited embassies in Venezuela following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him. This announcement was made public by his attorney, José Vicente Haro, on the morning of September 3.
Key Highlights from González Urrutia’s Stance
- Firm Opposition to Asylum
Haro emphasized that “in no way” has González Urrutia sought asylum from any embassy, nor does he intend to. This statement underscores a defiant stance against the political pressures in Venezuela, reflecting a commitment to his supporters and the democratic process.
- Desire to Remain Present
The opposition leader’s unwavering wish is to remain close to the Venezuelan populace, demonstrating his intention to reciprocate the support he has continually received. Haro indicated that this brave decision signifies González Urrutia’s dedication to the nation amidst adversities.
- Preparedness for Authority Actions
In light of the arrest warrant, González Urrutia’s wife, Mercedes González, is stationed at their residence to handle any potential authorities’ actions. Haro noted that they are ready to cooperate with law enforcement if the situation escalates, indicating the tense political climate they are navigating.
Understanding the Arrest Warrant
The arrest warrant issued by the First Special Anti-Terrorist Court on the evening of September 2 launched a series of actions directed at executing the order, particularly by the Scientific, Criminal and Criminal Investigations Corps (CICPC). This was prompted by a request from the Venezuelan Prosecutor’s Office. The assistant prosecutor, Luis Ernesto Dueñez Reyes, had previously issued several subpoenas in connection with an investigation concerning the website resultadosconvzla.com.
This website is under scrutiny as authorities allege it contains forged election records pertaining to Venezuela’s presidential elections. Haro has criticized the prosecution’s basis for the warrant, arguing that the allegations have no valid footing in Venezuelan law. He asserted that the criminal offenses cited do not correspond with the actions of González Urrutia, as they relate to those responsible for the website’s creation rather than the opposition candidate himself.
Legal Landscape in Venezuela
Despite the serious implications of the arrest warrant, Haro insists that “there is no criminal law, no rule, regulation, or instruction” in Venezuela that justifies the charges against González Urrutia. This assertion arises from the complicated legal and political realities that characterize Venezuela’s current regime, where political figures often face legal battles that many perceive as politically motivated.
Conclusion
The defiance shown by Edmundo González Urrutia in rejecting political asylum illustrates both his commitment to his supporters and his resolve to remain a pivotal figure in Venezuelan politics, even under the threat of legal repercussions. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the actions taken by authorities and González Urrutia’s responses will undoubtedly shape the future of Venezuela’s democracy.
Meta Description: Edmundo González Urrutia, opposition presidential candidate in Venezuela, rejects asylum amidst arrest warrant. Discover his stance and the implications of these developments on Venezuelan politics.
Keywords: Edmundo González Urrutia, Venezuela politics, political asylum, arrest warrant, opposition candidate, election integrity, José Vicente Haro, CICPC, resultadosconvzla.com.
