The release of two prominent opposition figures in Venezuela before the approval of the amnesty law – Mehr News Agency | RCO News Agency

According to Mehr news agency, 61-year-old Juan Pablo Guaniba was released from prison after a year and a half of detention.

He tweeted: “We are freed, after a year and a half; Ten months in hiding and about nine months in detention in Caracas.

He added: “There are many things that need to be said about the present and future of Venezuela, the truth always comes first.”

His son, Ramon, had earlier announced his father’s release, writing: “After more than eight months of unjust imprisonment and more than a year and a half of separation, our family will soon be reunited.

Juan Pablo Guaniba has been in hiding for a long time, and his last public appearance was on January 9, 2025, when he participated in a demonstration against the third term of the presidency of Nicolás Maduro together with Machado.

He was arrested in May 2025 on charges of election conspiracy, and then charges of terrorism, money laundering and incitement to violence and hatred were raised against him.

Berkins Rutcha, Machado’s legal advisor, was also released after a year and a half in prison.

His wife announced that his return home was accompanied by “extreme precautions”. 63-year-old Rutcha was arrested on August 27, 2024.

According to the non-governmental organization “Foro Bienal”, at least 18 people were released on Sunday, and since January 8, about 400 people who were detained for political reasons have been released.

This action by the Venezuelan interim government was carried out under pressure from the United States, and it is supposed to take place before the adoption of the historic general amnesty law.