Venezuelan opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa released from detention

Venezuelan Opposition Politician Released from Jail

Juan Pablo Guanipa, a prominent opposition politician in Venezuela, was released from jail on Sunday, according to his family’s statement. This marks the latest high-profile liberation by the government, which has been under pressure from the United States to release political prisoners.

Since January 8, rights group Foro Penal has verified 383 liberations of political prisoners, as part of a series of releases announced by the government. Guanipa was arrested in May 2025 and held for nearly nine months on allegations of leading a “terrorist” plot. His family and movement have denied these claims.

Guanipa’s release comes after his family reported that they had seen him in person for the first time in months, confirming he was in good physical health. Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado welcomed Guanipa’s release on social media, calling for all political prisoners to be released. Exiled opposition figure Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia also demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners.

Venezuela’s government has denied holding political prisoners and claims those jailed have committed crimes. However, human rights groups have long accused the government of using detentions to suppress dissent. The interim President Delcy Rodriguez has announced a proposed “amnesty law” for hundreds of prisoners, which would grant immediate clemency to those jailed for participating in protests or critiquing public figures.

The legislation must still be approved by the National Assembly before it becomes law. Rodriguez’s government has been releasing political prisoners and complying with US demands on oil deals since taking office after the US removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro last month.

Source: Al Jazeera