Juan Pablo Guanipa, a leading figure in Venezuela’s opposition and close ally of María Corina Machado, was detained on the morning of Friday, May 23, amid rising political tensions and just 48 hours before critical legislative and regional elections.
The arrest—described by the opposition as a “kidnapping” carried out by Nicolás Maduro’s regime—marks another step in the government’s crackdown on dissident leaders. Sources indicate Guanipa’s detention is directly linked to his close relationship with Machado, one of the most prominent voices in the opposition.
Shortly before his capture, Guanipa released a pre-recorded message that quickly circulated on social media:
“If you are reading this, it’s because I’ve been kidnapped by Nicolás Maduro’s forces,” he said. In the statement, the former lawmaker denounced his detention as part of an ongoing effort to silence critics of the government. “I’ve been in hiding for months. Today, I join the list of Venezuelans kidnapped by the dictatorship.”
He blamed the regime’s actions on fear of the growing strength and determination of the Venezuelan people. He referred to the protests of July 28 and 29 as key moments of democratic resistance. “The regime fears the spirit of the Venezuelan people. That’s why fear is their only tool,” he asserted.
Guanipa’s detention comes just before elections that have been heavily criticized by the opposition as an attempt to legitimize an illegitimate government. He had previously rejected the May 25 vote, calling it a “farce.” While in hiding, he urged civil disobedience through social media, promoting the hashtag #YoNoObedezco (“I do not obey”).
“The people of Zulia and all Venezuelans already spoke on July 28. We do not recognize this manipulated process that aims to justify Maduro’s hold on power,” he stated. Guanipa also reaffirmed his support for Edmundo González, whom several countries have recognized as the rightful president following parallel elections organized by the opposition.
Despite his detention, Guanipa expressed confidence that the people will ultimately prevail: “During my time in hiding, the images of Venezuelans defending their votes and standing up to the regime only strengthened my resolve. While they may celebrate this arrest as a victory today, I’m more convinced than ever that the true victory belongs to us,” he emphasized.
“I don’t know what will happen to me in the coming hours, days, or weeks. But I’m certain that the day will come when we run through the streets—not fleeing repression, but embracing each other and celebrating freedom. We will return to the airports, not to say goodbye, but to welcome back our brothers and sisters. We will go to the prisons, not as hostages, but to free our political prisoners.”
He ended with a call to remain defiant: “Don’t believe that freedom is impossible or that they are invincible. That’s a lie the regime wants you to believe. Let’s keep resisting—each of us from our own trench. Only we, the Venezuelan people, can liberate Venezuela.”
Meanwhile, President Nicolás Maduro announced the capture of over 50 alleged “mercenaries” accused of planning terrorist acts to sabotage the election. At a campaign rally in Caracas, he claimed that 38 of the detainees entered Venezuela from Colombia, some via land borders and others on commercial flights. According to Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello, the arrested individuals include foreign nationals from Argentina, Spain, and Algeria.
In response to the alleged threats, the government imposed heightened security measures, including the closure of all land, sea, and air access from Friday through midnight on Monday, May 26. According to a joint resolution from the Defense and Interior Ministries, the restrictions aim to safeguard the electoral process and prevent actions that could threaten national stability.
Leave a Comment