The Venezuelan attorney general, a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, is investigating opposition leaders María Corina Machado and Edmundo González for alleged “incitement to insurrection.”

The opposition leaders had urged security forces to support anti-government protests and disregard orders to repress them.

Tensions have escalated since the government declared Maduro the winner of the election without releasing detailed voting tallies.

The opposition claims that González won the election, presenting evidence reviewed by the Washington Post indicating he likely received more than twice as many votes as Maduro.

Despite the government’s declaration of Maduro’s victory, the opposition asserts an overwhelming win for González, the BBC has reported.

The attorney general has accused the opposition leaders of falsely announcing election results and inciting disobedience among police and military officials, leading to a criminal investigation.

Written by B.C. Begley