Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Pablo Guanipa Released After 8 Months in Prison

Guanipa announced his release in a video posted on social media.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa was released on Sunday after more than eight months in prison, he announced in a video posted on social media. Guanipa, a prominent critic of the Maduro government, had been detained since June 2025.

Why it matters

Guanipa's imprisonment was seen as part of the Maduro regime's ongoing crackdown on political opposition in Venezuela. His release could signal a potential shift in the government's approach or be part of a broader political strategy.

The details

Guanipa, a member of the opposition party Primero Justicia, was arrested in June 2025 on charges related to his political activities. He had been a vocal critic of President Nicolás Maduro and the Venezuelan government. Guanipa's release comes amid ongoing political and economic turmoil in the country.

  • Guanipa was arrested in June 2025.
  • Guanipa was released on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Juan Pablo Guanipa

A Venezuelan opposition leader and member of the Primero Justicia political party who was imprisoned for over eight months for his criticism of the Maduro government.

Nicolás Maduro

The current president of Venezuela, whose government has been accused of cracking down on political opposition.

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What they’re saying

“I was released today, thanks to God and to all those who fought for my freedom.”

— Juan Pablo Guanipa (Social media)

The takeaway

Guanipa's release could signal a potential shift in the Maduro government's approach to political opposition, though the broader situation in Venezuela remains uncertain and volatile.