Investigation against Edmundo González seeks to remove him from the game

The defense of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia said Thursday that the Criminal proceedings against former ambassador seek to “remove him from the political game” so that “he cannot assert the results reflected in the minutes” released by the opposition, which is basing its claim to victory in the July presidential elections on these documents.

The leader of the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD) – the largest opposition bloc – is being investigated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office following the publication, on a website, of “83.5% of the minutes” obtained, according to the alliance, through witnesses and table members, and which – he insists – reflect the “defeat” of Nicolás Maduro, proclaimed winner by the National Electoral Council (CNE).

The opposition lawyer, José Vicente Haro, who argues that these “records” are “authentic and trustworthy,” He expressed that It would have been “a mistake” for González Urrutia to appear at any of the three summons issued by the MP to appear due to the investigation, since – he reiterated – his client “does not have sufficient constitutional guarantees to go” to the institution.

The lawyer said that the Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, “already practically condemned him,” because “he not only accused him of crimes, but he condemned him for acts for which he bears no responsibility.”

«What is wanted is to place him in a situation of deprivation of liberty. And that is the only signal that is being given, in order to then ignore their rights and prevent them from exercising their political rights,” he added.

Therefore, Haro continued, González Urrutia, who is considered a “politically persecuted” person, will remain “under protection”despite the arrest warrant issued against him after failing to appear at three summonses.

“All the situations at this time of risk are present because, unfortunately, in Venezuela we do not have a rule of law, we do not have a rule of justice, there is a situation of systematic violation of human rights,” he added.

MP maintains arrest warrant against Edmundo González

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek William Saab speaks at a press conference at the Public Ministry, this Thursday, in Caracas (Venezuela) – EFE/ Ronald Pena R

Saab said Thursday that the arrest warrant and investigation against the former presidential candidate, accused of “usurpation of functions,” “forgery of public documents,” “instigation to disobedience of laws,” “conspiracy,” “sabotage to damage systems” and “association (to commit a crime)” remain in effect.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado, González Urrutia’s main supporter, has assumed responsibility for the publication of the minutes that she claims prove Maduro’s “resounding defeat.”