Juan Pablo Guanipa, a political ally of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has been released from detention after eight months, as confirmed by his son Ramón Guanipa. The former vice-president of the National Assembly was among multiple political prisoners released since the U.S. captured President Nicolas Maduro in January. Ramón posted on social media that his family would soon reunite but reminded followers that many Venezuelans remain unjustly imprisoned. Activists and human rights organizations have long accused the Maduro government of using such detentions to stifle dissent.
The interim government had promised on January 8 to release a significant number of detainees, though progress has been slow. Foro Penal, an organization that assists political prisoners, reports that nearly 400 individuals have been released this year. Recent releases also included political activists and former candidates who opposed Maduro during the controversial 2024 presidential elections.
Guanipa, who had previously gone into hiding following accusations of treason, was located and arrested by security forces in May 2025. As the situation unfolds, the fate of remaining political prisoners continues to draw attention, especially amid ongoing trials against Maduro in the U.S.
The interim government had promised on January 8 to release a significant number of detainees, though progress has been slow. Foro Penal, an organization that assists political prisoners, reports that nearly 400 individuals have been released this year. Recent releases also included political activists and former candidates who opposed Maduro during the controversial 2024 presidential elections.
Guanipa, who had previously gone into hiding following accusations of treason, was located and arrested by security forces in May 2025. As the situation unfolds, the fate of remaining political prisoners continues to draw attention, especially amid ongoing trials against Maduro in the U.S.
