A key supporter of Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado was put under house arrest on Tuesday, just hours after being freed from prison along with other dissidents who were detained during the rule of former president Nicolas Maduro.
Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former vice president of the National Assembly, was released from custody on Sunday after more than eight months in detention on unspecified charges commonly used against government opponents, such as “terrorism,” money laundering, and inciting violence.
The 61-year-old was among the political prisoners released as part of a commitment made by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed leadership following Maduro’s removal in a fatal US military operation in January.
During his brief period of liberty, Guanipa met with families of other political detainees, toured Caracas in a motorcycle procession, protested outside the notorious Helicoide prison, and called for fresh elections.
