Edmundo Gonzalez, the Venezuelan opposition leader who contends he won the controversial July presidential election, has announced the kidnapping of his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares. Gonzalez claimed that Tudares was abducted by masked men while taking his children to school in Caracas.

In a statement shared on social media, Gonzalez detailed how Tudares was intercepted by hooded individuals dressed in black as he was en route to drop off his children, aged six and seven, at school. “Rafael was on his way to my grandchildren's school to drop them off for the start of classes,” Gonzalez emphasized, noting that Tudares was forcibly taken in a gold-colored truck (source: VOA News).

The incident marks a significant escalation in political tensions in Venezuela, where both Gonzalez and incumbent President Nicolas Maduro claim legitimacy following the contested election held last July. While Gonzalez has gathered what he refers to as evidence proving his victory, the official electoral authority declared Maduro the winner without releasing detailed vote counts, prompting allegations of a lack of transparency. Protests erupted, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths, with reports indicating nearly 30 people dead and over 2,000 arrested during the unrest that ensued (source: Al Jazeera).

Following the election, Gonzalez has been actively rallying international support against Maduro’s regime, recently meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss the situation in Venezuela. Although living in exile in Spain, Gonzalez has announced his intention to return to Venezuela, where he faces an arrest warrant. Venezuelan officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, have stated that if Gonzalez attempts to return, he will be immediately detained.

The Venezuelan government has further intensified its campaign against opposition figures, with Gonzalez and his associates accused of collaborating with foreign powers to undermine the nation (source: VOA News).

The developments surrounding the kidnapping of Tudares raise urgent questions about the safety and political environment in Venezuela, as the country remains mired in a profound crisis exacerbated by claims of electoral fraud and political repression.