"Criminal investigation against Machado and González Urrutia exacerbates crisis in Venezuela."

The opening of a criminal investigation against María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia by the Venezuelan Prosecutor's Office has generated a new chapter in the country's tumultuous politics. This announcement, made on Monday, is seen by many as a sign of the increasing repression faced by the opposition under Nicolás Maduro's regime. The charges include usurpation of functions, dissemination of false information, incitement to disobedience, incitement to insurrection, conspiracy, and association for criminal purposes, which are serious and could result in long prison sentences for both politicians. The investigation comes at a time when Machado and González Urrutia have urged the armed and police forces to disregard Maduro's orders, whom they accuse of failing to recognize his defeat in the July 28 elections. In their letter, both opposition figures appeal to the conscience of the military and police, urging them to act in defense of the popular will, which they argue was clearly expressed in the electoral results that favored González Urrutia. This appeal has been dismissed by the regime itself, which has reaffirmed its loyalty to Maduro and labeled the opposition as "desperate and seditious." Attorney General Tarek William Saab, in his speech, not only dismissed the opposition's claims about the electoral results but also argued that they had incited disobedience to the laws. The tension is escalating, as the National Electoral Council (CNE) has not published the records that validate Maduro's victory, leading the opposition to release their own version of the results. This atmosphere of distrust and mutual accusations highlights the fragility of the electoral process in Venezuela. The possibility that Machado and González Urrutia may be arrested is a hot topic. Analysts like Andrés Cañizález suggest that the prosecutor's goal may not necessarily be imprisonment but rather the establishment of restrictions that limit the movement of opposition figures, as has already happened with Machado, who faces a travel ban. This fits into a broader strategy of harassment and intimidation aimed at weakening the opposition without provoking an international scandal that could backfire on the regime. Carmen Beatriz Fernández, a political communication expert, argues that Maduro's chosen path is one of radicalization, which could lead to an even more complex scenario. According to her, the regime has squandered an opportunity to move towards a more peaceful resolution, opting instead for electoral fraud that has isolated it internationally. In her opinion, this could result in an escalation of repression against opposition figures like Machado and González Urrutia. Historically, repression against the opposition in Venezuela has included imprisonments and persecutions, as evidenced by the cases of Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma. Both leaders have faced harsh accusations and even had to flee the country, which has shown that the regime does not hesitate to use the judicial machinery to silence its adversaries. The case of González Urrutia and Machado could follow this same pattern, although the international community has begun to recognize the election results in favor of González, adding a different nuance to their situation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Justice is in the process of reviewing the electoral results, an act that could lead to further polarization. With no clarity on the official results, the perception of fraud persists, fueled by the government's actions and its refusal to accept the popular verdict. This leaves the opposition in a precarious position, where international recognition becomes a double-edged sword. The reaction of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, reaffirming their loyalty to Maduro and dismissing the opposition's requests, indicates that the regime feels secure in its position. However, this support for Maduro is questioned by a segment of society that has begun to protest against what they consider fraud. Polarization is intensifying, and it is uncertain how the military will respond to potential social discontent. In this climate of tension and hostility, María Corina Machado emerges as a symbol of resistance for many. Her bravery in challenging the regime has resonated among those seeking change in Venezuela. However, government repression could silence the opposition more quickly than anticipated. Meanwhile, González Urrutia, like Machado, finds himself in a delicate balance between the struggle for democracy and the constant threat of political persecution. The situation in Venezuela remains volatile, and the international community is closely watching the developments. With every move, Maduro's regime seems determined to maintain control at all costs, while the opposition struggles to be heard and recognized. The next stage of this political conflict will depend on the decisions made by both opposition leaders and the government, in a context where fear and hope coexist tensely.