Venezuela has freed Juan Pablo Guanipa, a political ally of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, after eight months in detention, his son has said. The former vice-president of the National Assembly is among several political prisoners released following the U.S. government's intervention that led to Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's capture in January. Ramón Guanipa expressed relief on social media, stating, Our entire family will be able to hug again soon, but also highlighted that there are still hundreds of Venezuelans unjustly imprisoned.
Opposition and human rights groups allege that the Maduro regime has utilized political detentions to curb dissent and silence opposition. Despite promises from the interim government to release a significant number of detainees, progress has been slow. Foro Penal, an organization providing support to political prisoners in Venezuela, reports that nearly 400 people have been released recently, yet many remain behind bars.
Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, confirmed that at least 30 individuals were set free on a recent Sunday, including Guanipa. The political climate in Venezuela has been tense since the disputed 2024 presidential election that secured Maduro's re-election. Following this election, legal troubles for activists and opposition became increasingly common.
Guanipa had gone into hiding after being accused of terrorism and treason, but was ultimately captured by Venezuelan authorities in May 2025. Opposition leader Machado condemned his detention, calling it an act of state terrorism.
As Maduro faces drug trafficking charges in the U.S., Guanipa's release is seen as a potential goodwill gesture, although skepticism remains regarding the government’s intentions. Ramón Guanipa had expressed deep concerns about the government’s commitment to releasing all unjustly detained prisoners, echoing sentiments shared by many critics of the Maduro administration.
Opposition and human rights groups allege that the Maduro regime has utilized political detentions to curb dissent and silence opposition. Despite promises from the interim government to release a significant number of detainees, progress has been slow. Foro Penal, an organization providing support to political prisoners in Venezuela, reports that nearly 400 people have been released recently, yet many remain behind bars.
Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, confirmed that at least 30 individuals were set free on a recent Sunday, including Guanipa. The political climate in Venezuela has been tense since the disputed 2024 presidential election that secured Maduro's re-election. Following this election, legal troubles for activists and opposition became increasingly common.
Guanipa had gone into hiding after being accused of terrorism and treason, but was ultimately captured by Venezuelan authorities in May 2025. Opposition leader Machado condemned his detention, calling it an act of state terrorism.
As Maduro faces drug trafficking charges in the U.S., Guanipa's release is seen as a potential goodwill gesture, although skepticism remains regarding the government’s intentions. Ramón Guanipa had expressed deep concerns about the government’s commitment to releasing all unjustly detained prisoners, echoing sentiments shared by many critics of the Maduro administration.
