CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — In a shocking development, Edmundo González, the self-proclaimed Venezuelan opposition leader, reported that his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, was kidnapped while taking González's grandchildren to school in Caracas. The incident occurred amidst significant police and military presence as the country prepares for Friday’s presidential swearing-in ceremony, which the government claims will prolong President Nicolás Maduro’s controversial rule.

Traveling in the United States at the time, González shared the alarming news on X, stating that his son-in-law was taken by “hooded men, dressed in black” who intercepted the vehicle and forced Tudares into a gold-colored van. Concern for the safety of his grandchildren, aged six and seven, remains unclear, as no details were provided regarding their condition. The political tension surrounding the events has escalated significantly, particularly given the backdrop of recent elections where both González and Maduro claim victory.

The coalition of opposition parties, known as the Unitary Platform, has characterized Tudares’ kidnapping as a "forced disappearance for political reasons." They demanded the immediate release of Tudares and all political prisoners held by what they describe as a repressive regime, reflecting the broader dissent toward Maduro’s government. In a statement, González confirmed, "We demand the immediate release of Rafael Tudares and all political prisoners, who are hostages of a regime that knows it is rejected by the vast majority of Venezuelans" (HuffPost).

At the heart of this turmoil is González himself, who has emerged as a significant figure in Venezuelan politics despite being a relative newcomer. He has publicly declared that he won the presidency in the disputed elections of July 2024, a claim supported by gathered votes that purportedly show he received double the votes of Maduro (AP News). Notably, several international observers, including the Carter Center, have verified these opposition results, stating their legitimacy.

González, having had a background in diplomacy, transitioned into his role as the opposition's face after Maria Corina Machado was blocked from running due to governmental interference. The coalition has rallied behind González as they aim to unite and contest Maduro's long-standing control over Venezuela, which has seen little peaceful transition of power in recent decades.

Despite his current exile and the risks he faces, González has stayed politically active, seeking international support to legitimize his claims. He recently met with U.S. President Joe Biden among other political leaders, aiming to garner backing for his vision of a democratic Venezuela. "I have never participated in partisan politics of positions of elected office," he explained, underscoring his dedication to the country's democratization process (AP News).

As the swearing-in ceremony approaches, the political atmosphere in Venezuela has grown charged, with citizens skeptical about their country's future. There are calls from political activists for demonstrations, although the dangerous security situation raises concerns about public safety. One Caracas resident described the city as a "ghost town," illustrating the prevailing fear among the populace as kidnappings have recently been viewed as part of a strategy to suppress dissent against Maduro’s government.

With González still committed to returning to Venezuela for the ceremony, what remains uncertain is how both the opposition and Maduro’s forces will navigate the increasingly volatile landscape. The kidnappings of opposition family members have become part of a troubling pattern that reflects long-standing attempts by the government to silence its critics and maintain its grip on power.