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Venezuelan Opposition Leader Arrested Days Before Elections

Juan Pablo Guanipa faces terrorism and conspiracy charges as authorities detain 70 others and ramp up security for Sunday's contested elections.

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Juan Pablo Guanipa, un important dirigeant de l’opposition vénézuélienne proche de la leader Maria Corina Machado, a été arrêté vendredi.
Photo distribuée par le ministère vénézuélien de l'Intérieur et de la Justice montrant le ministre de l'Intérieur Diosdado Cabello s'exprimant sur l'arrestation du membre de l'opposition Juan Pablo Guanipa lors d'une conférence de presse à Caracas le 23 mai 2025

Overview

  • Juan Pablo Guanipa, a prominent opposition leader, was arrested on terrorism, money laundering, and incitement charges ahead of Venezuela's legislative and regional elections.
  • Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused Guanipa of leading a terrorist network and alleged that seized devices contained plans for election sabotage.
  • Authorities detained 70 individuals, including foreign nationals, and claimed they were planning attacks on infrastructure, hospitals, and public spaces.
  • The opposition, led by figures like Maria Corina Machado, continues to boycott the elections, citing fraud and calling for empty polling stations.
  • Approximately 400,000 security personnel have been deployed across Venezuela as international concerns about political repression and electoral legitimacy grow.