(CNN Spanish) –– The Venezuelan government confirmed the identity and charges against two Spanish nationals detained in the South American country and, according to Interior and Justice Minister Deostato Cabello, allegedly carrying out espionage work within the framework of the plot. The aim is to destabilize the Maduro government and carry out an assassination, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Manuel Albarez said in an interview with Cayalunya radio this Monday.
Spanish prisoners José María Pazova Valdovinos and Andrés Martínez, according to their relatives, had visited Venezuela as tourists and denied the charges. CNN requested more details from the Spanish Foreign Ministry and has not yet received a response.
Without providing further details, the Spanish diplomatic chief confirmed that he had received an official response from Venezuela late last week and that they had since started using diplomatic and consular protection for Pasoa Valdovinos and Martínez Atasme. their relatives
CNN reached out to Venezuela's Attorney General's Office and Ministry of Communications to find out more details and whether legal representation is in place, but has yet to hear back.
Both Cabello and Maduro confirmed that Basoa Valdovinos and Martínez Adasme had appeared in court, but did not specify a date or charges.
When asked about the allegations against him, Álvarez avoided answering, saying they had the right to privacy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work quietly. Of course, Albarez insists that Pazova and Martinez have nothing to do with the Spanish government and, as Minister Cabello points out, very little to do with the National Intelligence Center. He added that there was no doubt that neither his office nor his personal system would spare any effort to free them and ensure their early reunification with their families.
The tensions come as several governments questioned the results of Venezuela's July 28 presidential election, after the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared Maduro the winner amid allegations of fraud. The United States, Spain and other countries have said there are elements indicating that the real winner is opponent Edmundo González, and have demanded that Venezuelan authorities release detailed results of the elections by centers and polling stations.
