Judge In Venezuela has issued an arrest warrant for Edmundo González, the opposition candidate in the recent presidential election. This decision follows a request from the public prosecutor's office, which supports President Nicolás Maduro.

Maduro was declared the winner of the July election by the electoral council, largely composed of his supporters. However, the government has not yet provided evidence to back up its claim of victory. Meanwhile, the opposition asserts that their polling data indicates González won by a significant margin.

Judge Edward Briceño, who handles terrorism-related cases, granted the arrest warrant based on the prosecutor's request. President Maduro emphasized on his weekly television program that no one is above the law.

The arrest warrant signifies an escalation in political tensions in Venezuela. González’s opposition alliance has shared data online showing his victory by over 30%. This data has led to the current legal actions against him. The charges against González include serious offenses such as public duty usurpation, document falsification, and system sabotage. González, who has been in hiding, denies all allegations.

The European Union has not acknowledged Maduro's re-election without seeing voting results. Several Latin American nations, including former ally President Lula of Brazil, have also called for greater transparency. The U.S. recognizes González as the legitimate winner, citing substantial evidence of Maduro's defeat.

In contrast, the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the victor, triggering widespread protests across Venezuela. Since the election, Maduro's government has detained over 2,400 individuals, creating what the UN describes as "a climate of fear." The arrest of González on charges of inciting public disorder and conspiracy now seems increasingly probable.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice recently seized a plane linked to Maduro, citing violations of U.S. sanctions. In retaliation, Maduro's government accused Washington of "piracy" and "illegally imposing its will" globally.

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