By Luis De Jesus
Aug 23, 2024, 10:44 PM EDT
Venezuela’s Public Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday that opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia has been summoned as part of a criminal investigation into alleged crimes linked to the opposition’s claim of electoral fraud.
Tarek William Saab, a pro-Chavez attorney general, said he would soon provide details about the summons, which seeks to have the candidate answer for the publication of electoral records on a website, used by the opposition to argue its victory in the July 28 elections.
Saab stressed that González must appear before the court to clarify his alleged responsibility in the events of July 28.
In addition, the president accused him of disobeying authorities and of “usurping” functions that correspond exclusively to the National Electoral Council, according to the Efe news agency.
However, the Venezuelan electoral body has still not published, almost a month later, the detailed results confirming that Nicolás Maduro really won.
The prosecutor also suggested that the former ambassador’s public absence reflects “extreme cowardice” and his fear of facing justice. Despite this, Saab insisted that he will have to appear before the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The official made the announcement one day after the Supreme Court of Justice confirmed Maduro’s alleged victory, a decision questioned by several countries, which have demanded transparency in the publication of the results.
The charges facing Edmundo González Urrutia include usurpation, conspiracy and criminal association.
US says TSJ decision lacks credibility
The United States government on Friday questioned the validity of the ratification of Nicolás Maduro’s victory in the July 28 presidential elections by the Supreme Court of Justice of Venezuela.
In a statement, the State Department said the decision lacks credibility due to the “overwhelming evidence” that opposition candidate Edmundo González obtained the majority of votes.
He stressed that the publicly available records, which have been independently verified, show that Gonzalez was the one chosen by Venezuelan voters to lead the country.
“It is essential to respect the will of the Venezuelan people. It is time for the parties in Venezuela to begin a dialogue on a peaceful and respectful transition, in line with Venezuelan electoral law and the wishes of its citizens,” the statement said.
The United States also warned that Maduro’s continued attempts to fraudulently claim victory will only aggravate the crisis in Venezuela. It also demanded the release of those detained for exercising their right to free expression.
Finally, he reaffirmed his commitment and that of the international community to defend the rights of Venezuelan voters, whose will has been systematically undermined since July 28. He also expressed his willingness to support an inclusive process led by Venezuela to restore democratic norms.
Continue reading:
• US says Venezuelan Supreme Court’s ratification of Maduro’s victory is not credible
• Venezuelan regime says opposition joined Aragua Train for a “coup d’état”
• Venezuela’s Supreme Court controlled by Maduro ratified his victory in the elections