Venezuela Frees Opposition Amid US Talks: A New Era?

2026-02-09 global

Caracas, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Venezuela released key opposition figures on February 8, 2026, after the U.S. captured Nicolas Maduro in January. Hours after being freed, however, one opposition leader was allegedly kidnapped.

Key Releases and US Influence

The Venezuelan government released opposition figures, including Juan Pablo Guanipa and Perkins Rocha, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 [1][4]. These releases occurred amidst growing pressure from the United States and the international community to free political prisoners [2][5]. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, has been complying with U.S. demands, particularly concerning oil deals and the release of political prisoners, since Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S. military in January 2026 [2][5].

Guanipa’s Release and Alleged Kidnapping

Juan Pablo Guanipa, a close ally of Maria Corina Machado, was among those freed after spending eight months in detention [3][6]. However, hours after his release, Machado reported on Monday, February 9, 2026, that Guanipa was kidnapped from a residential area in Caracas around midnight [7]. Machado stated that heavily armed men in civilian clothes took him away in four vehicles and demanded his immediate release on social media [7].

Amnesty Law and Prisoner Releases

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez proposed an amnesty law that passed an initial vote in the National Assembly this week, between February 3 and February 7, 2026 [2]. If it gains final approval, the law would grant clemency to individuals jailed for political protests, facilitate the return of assets, and cancel Interpol measures [2]. Since January 8, 2026, Foro Penal has verified the liberation of 383 political prisoners [2]. The National Assembly President, Jorge Rodríguez, indicated on February 7, 2026, that ‘everyone’ would be released no later than the following week, pending the amnesty bill’s approval [5]. [alert! ‘The deadline of February 14, 2026, was not explicitly met, but releases are ongoing.’]

Reactions and Future Outlook

Following his release, Guanipa expressed optimism, stating, ‘I am convinced that our country has completely changed… I am convinced that it is now up to all of us to focus on building a free and democratic country’ [6]. However, Ramón Guanipa, Juan Pablo’s son, acknowledged that hundreds of Venezuelans remain unjustly imprisoned [3]. Maria Corina Machado celebrated the releases, reiterating calls for the freedom of all political prisoners [4][6]. The UN has also offered support for dialogue and reconciliation in Venezuela, deploying a team to assist in developing a roadmap centered on human rights [5].

Sources

venezuela political prisoners