The son of a jailed Venezuelan opposition leader has issued a warning about the government’s recent claims regarding political prisoner releases. Ramón Guanipa, whose father Juan Pablo Guanipa has been imprisoned, urged U.S. President Donald Trump not to be misled by the government.
Guanipa pointed out that, while the Venezuelan authorities stated they would release many political prisoners, only about 40 out of more than 800 have been set free so far. This comes after Trump praised the government’s actions, saying they had “started the process, in a BIG WAY.”
The release announcement followed significant political turmoil, including the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. operation in 2025. The Venezuelan government later confirmed the release of several detainees, including some high-profile opposition figures. However, relatives of those still imprisoned feel frustrated and misled.
Guanipa’s father, a close ally of notable opposition leader María Corina Machado, was detained in 2025 after challenging the controversial presidential election results, which were criticized by international observers for lacking transparency.
Despite the small number of releases, Ramón expressed mixed feelings. He acknowledged Trump’s support but emphasized that much remains to be done. He believes that more pressure is necessary to ensure real change.
Outside El Helicoide prison, tensions are palpable. Families of the detained gather daily, hoping to hear news of their loved ones. Carmen Farfán, a mother whose son was arrested, shared her despair over the lack of information. She, alongside others, continues to advocate for the imprisoned, highlighting the emotional turmoil these families face.
In Venezuela, opposition and human rights groups argue that the government uses detentions as a tactic to suppress dissent. This situation raises vital questions about the country’s future and the U.S.’s role in promoting democracy there. Some activists view the release of political prisoners as crucial for any meaningful political transition.
Recent surveys indicate that public sentiment in Venezuela is largely against the current regime, with many calling for reforms. A recent report by the human rights group Human Rights Watch states that political detentions have increased, with critics noting a lack of genuine efforts to address these issues.
The dynamics continue to evolve, as international observers closely monitor the situation to assess the Venezuelan government’s intentions and cooperate with the U.S. on future engagements.
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