Venezuela’s Machado Says Close Ally Kidnapped by ‘Heavily Armed’ Men Hours After Prison Release

On February 8, 2026, Juan Pablo Guanipa, who had recently been released after more than eight months in detention, was reportedly kidnapped in the Los Chorros district of Caracas by a group of "heavily armed" men. Maria Corina Machado took to social media to demand his immediate release, describing the abduction as violent and affirming her commitment to democracy in Venezuela.

Guanipa had just walked out of jail as part of a slow-moving wave of releases of political prisoners. His release followed intense pressure on the government of acting President Delcy Rodríguez to address human rights concerns and release those detained on politically motivated charges. During his brief time free, Guanipa had met with the families of political prisoners and spoken out against the repression of democratic practices.

Machado expressed her concerns for Guanipa's safety, stating, “We demand proof of life for my father immediately. He didn't violate any of the conditions of his release.” Reports confirm that the Public Prosecutor’s Office later stated that Guanipa would be placed under house arrest, claiming he had violated terms of his release without providing more details.

The government’s crackdown on political dissent has gained renewed attention, particularly following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in early January, and many analysts view Guanipa's kidnapping as a significant blow to the opposition's efforts to spur reforms. Rights groups estimate that around 700 political prisoners remain in custody, despite recent releases following negotiations with international bodies.

Alfredo Romero, president of prisoners' rights group Foro Penal, raised alarms about Guanipa's abduction, emphasizing the need for immediate action to secure his safe return. This incident highlights the precarious situation for political figures in Venezuela as the country continues to grapple with deep divisions and ongoing human rights issues.