MEXICO CITY (AP) – One of the six members of Venezuela's political opposition who have been sheltering for nine months in the Argentine diplomatic building in the capital, Caracas, abandoned the building on 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 denied the constant presence outside the residence of agents of the Venezuelan intelligence service and police. They have also accused the government of President Nicolás Maduro of cutting electricity and water services.
The government has denied the allegations.
Among those staying at the home of the Argentine ambassador is the campaign manager and communications director of the opposition powerhouse Maria Corina Machado. The government of President Javier Milei allowed them to enter the building in March after authorities loyal to the ruling party issued warrants for their arrest, accusing them of inciting alleged acts of violence to destabilize the country.
Martínez was involved in a parallel government formed by the opposition after Maduro's widespread re-election in 2018 and participated in talks between the opposition and the government. He was minister of communications and transport in the 1990s.
