On Tuesday, Brazil’s top foreign policy adviser criticized the arrest warrant issued by Caracas for Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as “very concerning.” He stated that there was a clear “authoritarian escalation” in the country.
Countries in the Americas, including the United States, Argentina, and Peru, also condemned the move.
The Venezuelan attorney general’s office announced on Monday that a court had issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes amid a dispute over the results of the July 28 election.
In an interview with Reuters, Brazil’s Celso Amorim expressed that if Venezuelan authorities were to arrest Gonzalez, it would be considered a political arrest, and they do not approve of political prisoners.
Amorim acknowledged the authoritarian escalation in Venezuela and the lack of openness to dialogue. However, Brazil still hopes for a resolution to the crisis.
The White House also criticized the warrant. White House national security spokesman John Kirby mentioned that it was another example of President Maduro’s attempt to maintain power by force. He also stated that they were considering various options to show that actions in Venezuela would have consequences.
Ruling party officials, including Maduro, have accused the opposition of inciting violence, controlling fascist groups, and acting on behalf of foreign imperialist interests.
Criminal investigations have been initiated against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado and the opposition’s vote tally website. Several key opposition figures have been detained.
Despite claims by Venezuela’s national electoral authority and top court that Maduro won the election, the opposition’s tallies show a significant victory for the opposition. Brazil and other countries have requested the publication of full voting results.
The content was reported by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia and Steve Holland in Washington, written by Luana Maria Benedito and Gabriel Araujo, and edited by Rosalba O’Brien.
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