Tensions Escalate in Venezuela as Opposition Leader Denounces Kidnapping of Close Family Member Ahead of Contested Inauguration

Edmundo González Urrutia, the Venezuelan opposition leader considered by many countries in the international community the winner of the presidential elections, announced on Tuesday that his son-in-law, Rafael Tudares, was abducted.

González Urrutia disclosed the development on social media:

"This morning, my son-in-law Rafael Tudares was kidnapped. Rafael was on his way to drop off my 7- and 6-year-old grandchildren at school in Caracas when he was intercepted by hooded men dressed in black. They forced him into a gold-colored SUV with license plate AA54E2C and took him away. As of now, he remains missing"

The abduction occurs just days before Nicolás Maduro's planned inauguration for a third term on January 10. The event is marked by heightened political tension and an increased police and military presence in Caracas, especially since González Urrutia, who has been living in exile in Spain due to an arrest warrant against him, has vowed to return to Venezuela to claim the presidency on the same day, arguing that he is the rightful winner of the July 28 election.

Amid his exile, González Urrutia has sought to put his international support at the forefront of the agenda. On Monday he met with U.S. president Joe Biden who referred to the Venezuelan leader "the true winner" of the country's presidential election last July after meeting him at the White House. In a social media post, Biden said Venezuela deserved a "peaceful transfer of power":

The Maduro regime responded by deeming the encounter between Biden and González as "grotesque", while Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that González Urrutia would be "arrested immediately" if he sets foot in Venezuela. The country's armed forces issued a statement affirming their loyalty to Maduro and condemning González Urrutia's actions.

González's visit to Washington follows meetings with South American leaders during a regional tour. Over the weekend, he met Argentine President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires and Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou in Montevideo. González praised the "accompaniment" of these countries in his push for international support against Maduro's administration.

Posters featuring the image of Venezuelan opposition leader, labeled with "Se busca" ("Wanted"), have appeared on walls and digital screens at Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas. The Venezuelan regime offers a $100,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.