CARACAS, Venezuela — Self-exiled Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has canceled the remainder of his U.S. agenda following the kidnapping of his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, in Caracas on Tuesday.
In a statement, González said, “This morning, my son-in-law Rafael Tudares was kidnapped. Rafael was on his way to my grandchildren’s school to drop them off for the start of classes when he was intercepted by hooded men dressed in black, who put him in a gold van with the number AA54E2C and took him away. He is still missing.”
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The incident occurred in Venezuela’s capital despite heightened security ahead of President Nicolás Maduro’s swearing-in ceremony on Friday. It remains unclear whether the kidnapping is linked to state security forces, a routine arrest, or a politically motivated abduction, as González has suggested.
González, who was scheduled to meet with Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and other U.S. lawmakers in Washington, D.C., opted to cancel his plans in light of the developments.
Political Tensions and Forced Disappearance Allegations
The Unitary Platform opposition coalition, which González represents, condemned the abduction as a “forced disappearance for political reasons.” In a statement, the coalition called for the immediate release of Tudares and other political prisoners, accusing Maduro’s government of silencing dissent through intimidation and repression.
González, who claims to have defeated Maduro in last year’s presidential election, fled to Spain in September after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with an election-related investigation. Despite his exile, he has vowed to return to Venezuela and take the presidential oath.
International Diplomacy Disrupted
González had been on a diplomatic tour across the Americas to rally support against Maduro’s government. On Monday, he met with U.S. President Joe Biden and incoming National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. His canceled meeting with Senator Durbin and other lawmakers highlights the gravity of the situation.
Uncertain Path Forward
Recognized by several nations, including the United States, as Venezuela’s president-elect, González continues to face challenges in countering Maduro’s stronghold over the government. The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela controls key institutions, complicating opposition efforts to challenge the regime.
The abduction of Tudares adds to the growing tensions in Venezuela, raising concerns about political violence and human rights violations in the lead-up to Maduro’s inauguration.
Sources close to the Venezuelan politician told EFE NEWS that the delegation will travel to Panama on Wednesday “to continue the tour” of the Americas to gather international support for the inauguration on Jan.
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