Feb 8 • 18:49 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Venezuela releases opposition leader close to María Corina Machado after eight months in prison

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa has been released after eight months of unjust imprisonment, following a political prisoners release announcement by interim leader Delcy Rodríguez.

Juan Pablo Guanipa, a Venezuelan opposition leader and former deputy, has been released from prison after eight months, a decision that coincides with the announcement of political prisoners' releases by the interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. Guanipa is closely associated with María Corina Machado, a prominent opposition figure and recent Nobel Peace Prize nominee. The release comes in the backdrop of political turmoil in Venezuela, particularly following a military incursion by the United States aimed at capturing ex-President Nicolás Maduro.

The announcement of Guanipa's release was made on social media by his son Ramón Guanipa, who expressed joy and relief about the family's reunion after such a prolonged separation. His imprisonment, which had started in May 2025, was linked to alleged conspiracies against the government, reflecting the repressive environment under Maduro's rule. The broader context of these releases is significant, as they may indicate shifts in the Venezuelan political landscape.

As the interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, navigates international pressure and internal dissent, the release of political prisoners like Guanipa could be seen as a gesture of goodwill or an attempt to stabilize the situation. The ongoing political crisis and the management of dissent remain critical issues for Venezuela, and the implications of such releases need to be carefully analyzed moving forward, especially concerning international responses and domestic stability.

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