Venezuelan authorities have recently announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the capture of exiled opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia. The former diplomat asserts that he won against President Nicolás Maduro in the July elections and fled to Spain amidst rising tensions and political crackdowns following the poll results. The announcement has escalated the already intense climate of political unrest in the country.

González, now 75 years old, left Spain and was expected to arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he plans to meet President Javier Milei before returning to Venezuela. In preparation for his anticipated return on January 10 to claim the presidency, authorities have issued a "wanted" poster featuring González's image, which will be displayed at airports and police checkpoints throughout Venezuela. (The Guardian)

Venezuelan police shared González's picture on social media, and the government has indicated that he faces charges including conspiracy and racketeering, prompting his initial exile. After the July elections, which the opposition claims were marred by fraud, protests erupted, resulting in significant violence—at least 28 people lost their lives, and over 2,400 were detained. Notably, three detainees died in custody, while many others have since been released. (Le Monde)

Despite widespread allegations of election fraud and calls for justice, Maduro's government continues to assert its legitimacy, with only a few countries recognizing his claimed victory. The situation remains tense, as majority international support has been extended to González, with the United States and European Union also rejecting Maduro's re-election claims.