A member of the Venezuelan opposition leaves the base of Argentine officials after 9 months of asylum

MEXICO CITY (AP) – One of the six members of Venezuela’s opposition party who had spent nine months at the Argentine embassy in the capital, Caracas, left the building on Thursday.

Two people familiar with the situation at the center confirmed to the Associated Press that Fernando Martínez has left the embassy and is 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.

Since late November, the group has denounced the constant presence outside the residences of Venezuelan intelligence and police. It also accused President Nicolás Maduro’s government of cutting off electricity and water supplies.

The government denied the allegations.

Those who remained at the Argentine embassy’s home included the campaign manager and communications director of the ruling opposition party Maria Corina Machado. The government of President Javier Milei allowed them to enter the compound in March after authorities loyal to the ruling party issued warrants for their arrest, accusing them of inciting acts of violence that are said to be fueling the country’s rebellion.

Martínez took part in the same government formed by the opposition after Maduro’s much-anticipated re-election in 2018 and took part in talks between the opposition and the government. He was the minister of communications and transport in the 1990s.