Venezuelan Court launches criminal probe into opposition post-election
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The Venezuelan Supreme Court initiates a criminal investigation into Edmundo Gonzalez and Maria Corina Machado under several charges, including conspiracy.
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Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, left, and opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez hold up vote tally sheets during a protest against the official presidential election results, Venezuela, July 30, 2024. (AP)
Venezuelan prosecutors launched a criminal investigation against two opposition leaders for reportedly mobilizing the army to side "with the people" following the July 28 presidential elections.
On Monday, prosecutors revealed that charges have been raised against presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and Maria Corina Machado, which include "announcing a false winner", instigating disobedience and insurrection, and conspiracy.
The Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) said it provided the Supreme Court with the required and detailed documents needed to verify that President Nicolas Maduro won the elections.
"Everything requested by the republic's highest court has been submitted," CNE chairman Elvis Amoroso said.
Read more: Maduro slams EU and Borrell as 'stigma' over election remarks
At Maduro's request, Venezuelan court launches audit of election results
Earlier, Venezuela's Supreme Court initiated an audit of the presidential election results and summoned all candidates for testimony, following calls from opposition activists and international supporters for a vote recount.
The audit was requested by President Nicolas Maduro, who filed a constitutional protection lawsuit with the Electoral Chamber of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice on Wednesday, asserting electoral interference.
"[The court] has accepted, supported and initiated an investigation and verification process in order to ultimately determine the results of the election," the statement released on Thursday read.
The court summoned all 10 presidential candidates to provide testimony before the Electoral Chamber on August 2.
