Feb 10, 2026, 5:38 p.mFeb 10, 2026, 5:38 p.m
The prominent Venezuelan opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa is now under house arrest after being allegedly abducted a few hours after his release from prison. “I confirm that my father Juan Pablo Guanipa is at home with me,” said his son Ramón Guanipa on the X platform, expressing relief that the family could be together again.
Juan Pablo Guanipa after his release.Image: keystone
However, his father is still being wrongfully imprisoned. “House arrest remains a prison, and we demand his complete freedom and that of all political prisoners,” he said.
I confirm that my father, Juan Pablo Guanipa, is at our home in Maracaibo.
We are relieved to know that our family will soon be together.
I take this opportunity, on behalf of my family, to thank the Government of the United States, President @realDonaldTrumpand Secretary of…
— Juan Pablo Guanipa (@JuanPGuanipa) February 10, 2026
Guanipa’s party confirmed the house arrest. “We thank the national and international pressure that made it possible for Juan Pablo to be reunited with his children and his family,” said the Primero Justicia party. “Our fight continues until everyone enjoys absolute and unconditional freedom.”
Guanipa family: kidnapped shortly after release
According to his family and party, Guanipa was taken away by heavily armed men in plain clothes a few hours after his release from prison. His whereabouts were then unknown for over a day. Relatives and the opposition had spoken of a kidnapping and demanded proof of life. The Venezuelan public prosecutor’s office, however, described the incident as a new arrest and justified this with an alleged violation of conditions. Guanipa’s son had denied the allegations.
Guanipa, the leader of the Primero Justicia party, was arrested in May 2025. The government of the authoritarian head of state Nicolás Maduro, who was still in office at the time, accused him of planning terrorist attacks to disrupt elections. Supporters and human rights organizations rejected the allegations.
According to the human rights organization Foro Penal, there are around 800 political prisoners in Venezuela. The caretaker government of President Delcy Rodríguez announced the release of numerous prisoners after Maduro’s arrest in early January. (hkl/sda/dpa)