The Government of Argentina has granted asylum to Venezuelan opponents who sought refuge at the country’s embassy in Caracas, according to Foreign Minister Diana Mondino. Mondino confirmed that the diplomatic measure has been approved and that negotiations are ongoing for a safe passage for the individuals. The beneficiaries of the asylum are Claudia Macero, Pedro Urruchurtu, Magali Meda, Humberto Villalobos, Omar González, and Fernando Martínez Mottola, all of Venezuelan nationality.
CNN reached out to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry for information on the necessary safe passage for the individuals to leave the country but has not yet received a response. The Argentine embassy in Caracas had announced the acceptance of the Venezuelan opposition leaders on March 26, stating that it was done in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations due to concerns about the deteriorating institutional situation and acts of harassment and persecution against political figures in Venezuela.
These developments are unfolding as Venezuela gears up for its upcoming presidential elections scheduled for July 28. The opposition has accused President Nicolás Maduro’s government of repressing its leaders and hindering their participation in a free electoral process.