Venezuela frees high-profile opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete February 8, 2026 at 11:16 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa, a political ally of Maria Corina Machado, was released after eight months of detention. His release is among a number of political prisoner releases since Nicolas Maduro's capture in January and subsequent US trial on drug trafficking charges. Guanipa, a leader of the Justice First party, was detained in May 2025 after being accused of terrorism and treason for challenging the disputed 2024 presidential election results. While the interim government promised a significant number of releases, progress has been slow. Foro Penal reports nearly 400 political prisoners have been released, with about 30 freed on Sunday, including Guanipa and others. Opposition and human rights groups have long accused Maduro's government of using detentions to suppress dissent.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Zulia 30% Justice First 40% Alfredo Romero 40% Foro Penal 50% United States 50% Ramón Guanipa ×260% Maria Corina Machado ×270% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×580% Juan Pablo Guanipa ×790% Venezuela ×590%

Keywords

juan pablo guanipa 100% political prisoners 90% venezuela 90% opposition 80% detention 70% nicolas maduro 70% political dissent 60% maria corina machado 60% human rights 50%