Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado reported that her ally, Juan Pablo Guanipa, was kidnapped just hours after being released from prison. This incident occurred shortly after the government freed several opposition members who had faced long detentions linked to their political views.
Machado shared details on social media, stating that Guanipa was taken around midnight in a residential area of Caracas by heavily armed men in civilian clothes. She called for his immediate release.
Guanipa, a former governor, had just assured reporters of his belief that Venezuela was changing for the better. He spent over eight months in custody due to accusations related to protests and political dissent. Alfredo Romero, head of the prisoner rights group Foro Penal, expressed deep concern over Guanipa’s situation, noting the lack of information about his abduction.
This recent wave of releases, confirmed by Foro Penal with at least 30 individuals let go, comes as the Venezuelan government, led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, faces increasing pressure to free political prisoners. These releases follow a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighting international concern over human rights in Venezuela.
In response to Guanipa’s kidnapping, his family has also highlighted the need for proof of his well-being. His son described the situation on social media, indicating that a group of about ten unidentified individuals was involved in the incident.
Historically, Venezuela’s political landscape has been tumultuous, with many opposition figures facing harsh realities for their views. For instance, in May of last year, Guanipa was arrested under allegations of being part of a “terrorist group” attempting to disrupt the legislative election—a charge many see as politically motivated. His brother argued that dissent should not be criminalized, calling Guanipa a prisoner of conscience.
With ongoing tensions, the atmosphere in Venezuela is thick with uncertainty. The recent releases have sparked hope among families and rights organizations, but many worry about the effectiveness of these measures as kidnappings and political pressure continue.
For more insights into this complex situation, you can refer to reports from the UN Human Rights Office.
