Gonzalez Urrutia, a prominent opposition leader, had been facing increasing pressure from the Venezuelan government, which had accused him of treason and conspiracy. He had been in hiding for several weeks, and his whereabouts were unknown until his arrival in Spain.
In a statement, Gonzalez Urrutia said, “I have come to Spain to continue the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. I will not rest until we achieve a transition to democracy and free elections.”
He also thanked the Spanish government for granting him asylum and pledged to work with international partners to pressure Maduro’s government to release political prisoners and respect human rights.
The Venezuelan government has yet to comment on Gonzalez Urrutia’s escape, but analysts say it is a significant blow to Maduro’s efforts to consolidate power.
Gonzalez Urrutia’s move is seen as a strategic one, as Spain has been a vocal critic of Maduro’s government and has recognized the opposition-led National Assembly as the legitimate representative of the Venezuelan people.
The Spanish government has expressed support for Gonzalez Urrutia’s efforts to promote democracy in Venezuela, with Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stating, “Spain will continue to support the Venezuelan people in their struggle for freedom and democracy.”
Gonzalez Urrutia’s arrival in Spain is also seen as a boost to the Venezuelan opposition, which has been fragmented and weakened by internal divisions and government repression. His leadership and international recognition could help to galvanize the opposition and attract more support from the international community.
Meanwhile, human rights groups have praised Gonzalez Urrutia’s bravery and commitment to democracy, saying his escape is a testament to the growing resistance against Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
As tensions continue to rise in Venezuela, Gonzalez Urrutia’s move is likely to escalate pressure on Maduro’s government, both domestically and internationally. The situation remains fluid, with many uncertainty about what comes next for Venezuela
