Venezuelan Opposition Leader Claims Coercion in Election

Edmundo González, a former opposition candidate in Venezuela, has alleged that he was coerced into signing a letter recognizing President Nicolás Maduro's disputed electoral victory. González claims he was under severe pressure and threats while taking refuge in the Spanish ambassador's residence in Caracas, where he was confronted by high-ranking officials of Maduro's regime. He stated that he had no choice but to sign the document, which he now calls void due to the circumstances of its signing. The Venezuelan Supreme Court had declared Maduro the winner of the July 28 election amid allegations of vote manipulation from the opposition. Jorge Rodríguez, a prominent figure in the ruling party, has demanded that González retract his statements or face the release of incriminating audio recordings. This incident further deepens the political crisis in Venezuela, highlighting the tensions between the government and opposition factions.