Venezuelan Opposition Leader Guanipa Arrested in Election Terror Plot

Juan Pablo Guanipa, a prominent Venezuelan opposition leader and ally of María Corina Machado, was arrested by the Nicolás Maduro regime on allegations of leading a terrorist network aimed at sabotaging upcoming regional elections. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the arrest on state television, citing a broader conspiracy involving over 70 individuals, including foreigners, accused of plotting attacks on critical infrastructure and planning to disrupt the electoral process. Authorities claimed the arrests resulted from community tips and cooperation among civilians, police, and the military, though no public evidence has been presented, and detainees have limited access to legal counsel. Guanipa and Machado have rejected the charges as baseless and politically motivated efforts to suppress dissent amid ongoing political turmoil following the disputed 2024 presidential election. Guanipa, who had been in hiding since the election, stated in a prerecorded video that he was "unjustly imprisoned but never defeated," framing his arrest as part of the regime's crackdown on opposition figures. The opposition and human rights groups have condemned the arrests as attempts to stifle democratic participation ahead of the elections.