Mariana González de Tudares, daughter of Venezuela's president-elect, Edmundo González Urrutia, has come forward with a public accusation regarding the abduction of her husband, Rafael Tudares Bracho, by Venezuelan state security officers. Her account states that on January 7th, Tudares was unjustly detained in front of their young children, aged 6 and 7, who witnessed the aggressive arrest operation.
"Those officers were heavily armed; they took Rafael and drove away with the car while our kids were left stranded on the street," Mariana recounted in a video shared across social media platforms. Since this harrowing event, she has tirelessly visited numerous detention centers and police stations seeking information on her husband's whereabouts, with no success. "I have no idea where he is or how he is doing. They won't let me see him, nor can I provide him with his medication. I have no proof of life," she lamented.
Mariana urged the authorities to release her husband on humanitarian grounds, emphasizing that her family has no political ties. "We are not involved in politics, have no political influence, despite what some might think. We are just another hardworking Venezuelan family trying to raise our kids with education and Christian values," she asserted.
In her statement, Tudares's wife expressed profound fear and despair for her family's safety, questioning if her familial connection to the president-elect is the reason behind her husband's abduction. "Is it a crime to be related to someone? Should I fear that I'll be next, along with my children? Was staying in Venezuela a mistake? My children and I don't deserve this suffering," she expressed.
The president-elect, diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, condemned his son-in-law's kidnapping through the social network X, detailing that Rafael was intercepted by masked men dressed in black while driving his children to school in a gold SUV with the license plate AA54E2C. González Urrutia is currently seeking international support to return to Venezuela and assume his position, which has been unlawfully taken over by dictator Nicolás Maduro. He is actively coordinating efforts with various foreign ministers and former presidents across the region.
This incident is unfolding amid escalating political tension in Venezuela, with calls for mass mobilization by the opposition and increased militarization by Maduro's regime, who faces an uncertain future following Donald Trump's inauguration this Monday in Washington.
In closing, Mariana shared heartfelt words for her husband: "Rafael, if by any chance you can see this, know that you're not alone. Your children, Ignacio and Martina, think of you and hold you in their hearts. I will never stop searching for you, and we will be together again."
Key Questions on the Venezuelan Political Crisis
What led to Rafael Tudares Bracho's abduction?
Rafael Tudares Bracho was allegedly abducted by Venezuelan state security officers. The reason for his detention remains unclear, but his familial ties to the president-elect, Edmundo González Urrutia, are believed to be a possible motive.
How has the international community responded to this incident?
Edmundo González Urrutia is actively seeking international support to address the unlawful control of his position by Nicolás Maduro's regime. The international community's response is still developing as they coordinate with regional leaders.