Venezuelan opposition figures released from detention
Juan Pablo Guanipa and Jesús Armas freed amid ongoing prisoner releases
Juan Pablo Guanipa and Jesús Armas, two prominent Venezuelan opposition figures, were released from detention and appeared before supporters in Caracas as part of a continuing wave of prisoner releases announced by the interim government. Rights group Foro Penal said about 30 political detainees were freed in the latest tranche and is verifying additional cases; it has confirmed hundreds of releases since the government began the process in early January. Authorities have proposed an amnesty law to cover a broad range of political detainees, and acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the Helicoide detention centre—long criticized by rights groups over alleged abuses—will be converted into a centre for sport and social services.
Guanipa and Armas greeted crowds in a public square and delivered messages of hope, reflecting relief among families and supporters while calls persist for the unconditional release of all political prisoners. Observers and rights organisations have cautioned that many detainees remain behind bars, that some releases carry legal restrictions such as periodic court appearances or limits on public speech, and that reports of new detentions have at times followed earlier releases, suggesting an unstable pattern.
The releases follow months of pressure from domestic rights groups and international scrutiny, including visits by UN human-rights officials. Authorities say the amnesty will cover offences tied to years of political unrest while excluding crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, corruption and human-rights abuses; lawmakers have moved to consider the bill in the National Assembly. Families and advocacy groups continue to monitor outcomes closely, pressing for transparent lists, guarantees that charges will be dropped and protections for those freed amid a polarized political landscape.
