The son of a jailed Venezuelan opposition leader has cautioned Donald Trump against being misled by the country’s government, alleging that promises to release a significant number of political prisoners have not been fulfilled. Ramón Guanipa, son of Juan Pablo Guanipa, stated that fewer than 40 prisoners have been confirmed released out of over 800 considered political prisoners.
Trump’s Claims and Prisoner Releases
On Saturday, Trump expressed gratitude to Venezuelan authorities, stating they had “started the process, in a BIG WAY.” The Venezuelan government announced Thursday the release of detainees considered political prisoners as a “goodwill gesture.”
The move followed a raid on Caracas on January 3, resulting in the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was taken to New York and charged with drug trafficking. Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela’s National Assembly leader and brother of Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced the immediate release of “an important number of Venezuelan and foreign detainees.”
The government reported Monday that over 100 prisoners had been released, a figure disputed by human rights campaigners. Confirmed releases include several high-profile opposition figures, such as human rights lawyer Rocío San Miguel, and five Spanish citizens, according to Spain’s foreign ministry.
Concerns Over Limited Releases
Trump claimed credit for the releases, stating on social media that prisoners should remember “how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done.” However, relatives of those still imprisoned have voiced frustration over the limited number of releases.
Ramón Guanipa told BBC Mundo, “I want to tell President Trump that he must not be fooled and [should] keep pressure on these guys.” He also thanked Trump for the pressure he has applied, calling him “our greatest ally in this situation.” Despite this, Guanipa warned that Trump would be mistaken to believe the situation is improving given the small number of prisoners released.
Ramón Guanipa has been allowed only one visit to his father since his arrest. Juan Pablo Guanipa went into hiding after being accused of terrorism and treason for challenging the 2024 presidential election, which the UN deemed lacking “basic transparency and integrity” and the US refused to recognize as legitimate.
Guanipa traveled from Maracaibo to Caracas upon hearing of the planned releases, only to find his father was not among those freed, leaving him feeling “defeated,” but resolved to continue fighting for the government to fulfill its promises.
Government Response and Ongoing Vigil
The Venezuelan government has not commented on the pace of the releases, and the attorney general declined a BBC interview request. The developments are being viewed as a test of Trump’s influence in Venezuela following Maduro’s removal.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has expressed openness to cooperation with the Trump administration while simultaneously condemning US intervention. The government also announced plans to shut down El Helicoide, a notorious prison.
Outside El Helicoide, relatives are keeping vigil, pleading for the release of their loved ones. Carmen Farfán’s son, José Gregorio Reyes, was detained with his wife and a friend while hospitalized, and their families have received no information since. Farfán hopes to learn her son’s whereabouts and is desperate for answers.
Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups have long accused the government of using detentions to suppress dissent, allegations officials deny, claiming those arrested were involved in criminal activity. Opposition activists view the release of political prisoners as a crucial step towards any transition of power, but the limited number released raises doubts about the interim government’s intentions and willingness to cooperate with the US.
Additional reporting by Daniel Wittenberg.
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