Election Turmoil in Venezuela: Gonzalez Under Legal Scrutiny Amid Protests

The lawyer for Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez submitted an affidavit explaining why Gonzalez ignored summons amid an election dispute. An arrest warrant was issued for Gonzalez on accusations including usurpation and conspiracy. The contested election has led to deadly protests, opposition arrests, and international condemnation.

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez's legal trouble deepened on Wednesday as his lawyer submitted an affidavit to the attorney general's office following Gonzalez's disregard for three summons amid an election dispute.

Authorities issued an arrest warrant for Gonzalez, the former presidential candidate, accusing him of usurpation of functions, document falsification, and conspiracy. This stems from an investigation into a website where the opposition published vote tallies from the contested July election, which has sparked deadly protests and led to the arrests of high-profile opposition members.

The election's outcome, declared a win for President Nicolas Maduro by national authorities, has been challenged by opposition figures and international entities, calling the vote non-transparent and fraudulent. The U.S. and other countries have condemned Gonzalez's arrest warrant, while his lawyer argues the accusations lack criminal substance. Human Rights Watch has reported significant fatalities during post-election protests, blaming both security forces and government-aligned groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)