Edmundo Urrutia, Venezuela’s opposition leader and the declared rightful winner of the disputed July 28 elections, fled to Spain on Sunday amid threats to his life. Urrutia, who contends that he, not President Nicolas Maduro, is Venezuela’s legitimate president-elect, arrived in Madrid after weeks in hiding.
In an audio message distributed by his press team, the 75-year-old expressed his determination to continue fighting for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. His departure came after weeks of repression in the aftermath of the controversial election, which Maduro claimed to have won. The opposition, however, insists it can prove Urrutia was the true victor.
The decision for Urrutia to leave Venezuela was made due to concerns for his safety, as highlighted by opposition leader Maria Machado. She accused Maduro’s government of intensifying repression, issuing arrest warrants, and threatening opposition leaders, including Urrutia, who had replaced Machado on the ballot after she was barred from running.
Maduro’s regime declared him the election winner, but the opposition and much of the international community have refused to recognize the result, citing a lack of transparency. Urrutia ignored multiple summons to appear before prosecutors, fearing arrest.
Upon his arrival in Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called Urrutia a “hero,” and Spain granted him asylum. The United States and the European Union condemned Maduro’s repressive actions, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that Urrutia “remains the best hope for democracy” in Venezuela. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s Attorney-General Tarek Saab dismissed Urrutia’s claims as “farcical theatre” and hinted at ongoing investigations.
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