MEXICO CITY (AP) — One of six members of Venezuela’s political opposition who sheltered for nine months at Argentina’s diplomatic complex in the capital Caracas left the premises Thursday.
Two people familiar with the situation at the facility confirmed to The Associated Press that Fernando Martínez left the ambassador’s residence and was at home. The people spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation.
The circumstances under which Martinez left the compound were not immediately clear.
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Since the end of November, the group has denounced the continued presence outside the residence of Venezuelan intelligence and police officers. It has also accused the government of President Nicolás Maduro of cutting electricity and water services.
The government has denied the allegations.
Those staying at the Argentine ambassador’s home include opposition force campaign leader and communications director Maria Corina Machado. President Javier Milei’s government allowed them into the complex in March after authorities loyal to the ruling party issued arrest warrants for them, accusing them of promoting alleged acts of violence to destabilize the country.
Martínez was involved in a parallel government that the opposition created after Maduro’s widely perceived sham re-election in 2018 and participated in negotiations between the opposition and the government. He was Minister of Communications and Transport in the 1990s.
