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Former presidential candidate Edmundo González left Venezuela for asylum in Spain, Spanish officials announced Sunday, a move that dealt a bitter blow to the country’s opposition as the government continues its crackdown in the wake of July’s disputed presidential election, the Guardian reported.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that González was flying to Spain, adding that the opposition politician had “requested asylum and the Spanish government will of course process this and concede it.”

Venezuelan government officials also claimed González had left after “voluntarily seeking refuge” in the Spanish embassy. They added that the decision to let him leave was designed to “contribute to political peace.”

González’s exile comes after the opposition figure hid for more than a month following the government’s crackdown on its opponents in the wake of the July 28 presidential vote.

A political crisis has gripped the oil-rich South American nation since the Venezuelan electoral council declared incumbent Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the poll with 52 percent of the vote.

The Supreme Court also confirmed the results – even as both the court and the council have come under fire for being packed with Maduro loyalists.

The opposition has accused the government of fraud and irregularities. Last month, they published tally sheets collected by volunteers from more than two-thirds of electronic voting machines used in polling that showed Gonzáles won by a margin of more than 2-to-1.

Despite the government’s claims, many Western and Latin American countries have refused to recognize Maduro’s reelection unless the Venezuelan government releases full voting data.

González’s predicament was exacerbated in recent weeks after he was accused of a series of crimes, including conspiracy and criminal association, which could have resulted in a 30-year prison sentence.

His exile prompted frustration and distress from the opposition and foreign politicians. Observers noted that González’s departure also further complicates the situation of Venezuela’s opposition amid the ongoing government dissent.

Attention has turned to another key figure, María Corina Machado, who remains in the country and has vowed to stay there, despite acknowledging the growing dangers she still faces.

Meanwhile, Venezuela engaged in a diplomatic spat over the weekend after security forces surrounded the Argentine embassy in the capital Caracas, where six opposition figures critical of Maduro are seeking refuge, the BBC added.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations broke down in the summer after Argentina rejected the presidential election’s outcome, resulting in Brazil representing Argentine interests in Venezuela.

However, Caracas recently revoked Brazil’s custody of the embassy, leaving the opposition figures vulnerable.