Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa was reportedly kidnapped by armed men shortly after his release from prison, prompting calls for his immediate release from political allies.
María Corina Machado, a prominent figure in the Venezuelan opposition, announced on Monday that Juan Pablo Guanipa was seized by armed men in Caracas shortly after being released from jail. In a post on X, Machado stated that Guanipa was kidnapped by heavily armed individuals dressed in civilian clothing in the Los Chorros area of the capital.
“We demand his immediate release,” Machado declared, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Alfredo Romero, president of the Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal, confirmed that Guanipa was among 35 political prisoners released on Sunday. Guanipa had been detained since May.
According to reports, Venezuelan authorities are seeking court approval to place Guanipa under house arrest. The country’s Public Ministry has alleged that he violated the terms of his release, although no further details have been provided, and it remains unclear whether he has been re-arrested.
Guanipa’s political party, Primero Justicia, reported on X that he was forcibly taken into a silver Toyota Corolla during the incident. The party issued a statement holding key government figures, including Delcy Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, and Diosdado Cabello, responsible for any harm that may come to Guanipa.
“We call on the international community for the immediate release of Juan Pablo Guanipa and for an immediate and unconditional end to the persecution of the opposition,” the statement read.
The U.S. State Department has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
Rodríguez has been serving as the interim president of Venezuela following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, earlier this year. In late January, former President Donald Trump remarked that Venezuela was releasing political prisoners at a “rapid rate,” describing the move as a “powerful humanitarian gesture” by the country’s leadership.
As of February 2, an estimated 687 political prisoners remain in custody in Venezuela, according to Foro Penal.
These developments highlight the ongoing tensions in Venezuela, where political repression and human rights violations continue to be pressing issues. The international community remains watchful as the situation unfolds.
According to Fox News, the circumstances surrounding Guanipa’s abduction are part of a broader pattern of intimidation against opposition leaders in the country.