Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado announced that Juan Pablo Guanipa has been kidnapped just hours after his release from detention. Guanipa, leader of the Justice First party, was forcibly taken in the Los Chorros neighborhood of Caracas, reportedly by heavily armed men in civilian clothing who arrived in four vehicles.
This shocking development follows Guanipa's recent release after spending eight months in prison, during which various political prisoners were also freed following the US's seizure of former President Nicolás Maduro in January. His party described the kidnapping as an act of aggression by Maduro's 'repressive forces.'
Social media posts revealed Guanipa's individual concerns for his safety. His son, Ramón, who had been celebrating his father’s return, has since demanded immediate proof of his father's well-being, expressing deep concern for his father's life and holding the regime accountable for any harm that might come to him.
Guanipa's political journey has been tumultuous; he was elected governor of the Zulia region in 2017 but was barred from taking office. Following a series of accusations related to terrorism and treason against the government, he went into hiding until he was captured and detained in May 2025.
This latest incident has caused various opposition and human rights groups to call on international allies for pressure on the Venezuelan government to cease its persecution of dissenters and ensure Guanipa’s immediate release.
This shocking development follows Guanipa's recent release after spending eight months in prison, during which various political prisoners were also freed following the US's seizure of former President Nicolás Maduro in January. His party described the kidnapping as an act of aggression by Maduro's 'repressive forces.'
Social media posts revealed Guanipa's individual concerns for his safety. His son, Ramón, who had been celebrating his father’s return, has since demanded immediate proof of his father's well-being, expressing deep concern for his father's life and holding the regime accountable for any harm that might come to him.
Guanipa's political journey has been tumultuous; he was elected governor of the Zulia region in 2017 but was barred from taking office. Following a series of accusations related to terrorism and treason against the government, he went into hiding until he was captured and detained in May 2025.
This latest incident has caused various opposition and human rights groups to call on international allies for pressure on the Venezuelan government to cease its persecution of dissenters and ensure Guanipa’s immediate release.
