Venezuelan Opposition Leader Juan Pablo Guanipa Arrested

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan authorities announced the arrest of prominent opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa on Friday, May 23, 2025. He is accused of being part of a "terrorist network" allegedly planning to disrupt the upcoming legislative and regional elections. Video footage released shows Guanipa, wearing a bulletproof vest and handcuffs, being escorted by masked security forces. The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition figures. María Corina Machado, a fellow opposition leader and close ally of Guanipa, described him as a "brother" and expressed outrage at his detention. The government claims Guanipa was involved in plotting against the elections. The arrest comes at a critical time in Venezuela's political landscape, with elections scheduled for Sunday. While the government asserts its actions are justified, the opposition views the arrest as a political crackdown. The situation remains tense, with concerns raised about the fairness of the elections and the treatment of political opponents.