A Venezuelan judge has issued an arrest warrant for former presidential candidate Edmundo González, accusing him of conspiracy, falsifying documents, and usurpation of powers.

This follows González’s failure to appear for questioning regarding the July election results, which he and opposition leader María Corina Machado claimed showed he had won, not President Nicolás Maduro.

The ruling party declared Maduro the victor without publishing detailed results.

González’s camp released tally sheets suggesting a significant win for him, increasing international scrutiny and condemnation of the election process, the Associated Press has reported.

The arrest warrant is seen as part of a broader crackdown on the opposition.

Written by B.C. Begley