Jailed Venezuelan Politician’s Son Urges Trump Not to Be Fooled by Promised Prisoner Releases
The son of a jailed Venezuelan opposition leader has cautioned U.S. President Donald Trump against being “fooled” by the Venezuelan government’s recent claims about releasing political prisoners. Ramón Guanipa, whose father, Juan Pablo Guanipa, is imprisoned, highlighted that only about 40 of the over 800 political prisoners have been confirmed released thus far.
Context of the Political Climate
– Government’s Recent Announcement: On Thursday, the Venezuelan government stated it would release detainees deemed political prisoners by human rights organizations as a goodwill gesture.
– Trump’s Response: On Saturday, Trump thanked the Venezuelan authorities for “starting the process, in a BIG WAY.” However, Ramón Guanipa contends that this perception misrepresents the reality for the many still incarcerated.
– Background on Juan Pablo Guanipa: The senior Guanipa has been detained since May 2025 after being accused of terrorism and treason for disputing the controversial 2024 presidential election, which lacked transparency, as per the UN.
Discrepancies in Prisoner Releases
– Government Claims vs. Reality: While officials announced more than 100 releases, human rights advocates have not confirmed these figures. Among the released are notable opposition figures, including five Spanish citizens acknowledged by Spain’s foreign ministry.
– Minor Releases Indicate Bigger Issues: Ramon’s perspective reflects the frustration among families of remaining political prisoners, as he asserted, “If Trump thinks this is going alright, it is not.”
Ramon’s Personal Struggles
Ramón has only been allowed to visit his father once since his arrest. He traveled from Maracaibo to Caracas upon hearing the announcement of potential releases, only to feel defeated when his father was not among those freed. Despite this setback, he remains committed to his fight for justice, emphasizing the need for the interim government to uphold its promises.
The Broader Situation in Venezuela
– Relatives of Political Prisoners: Outside El Helicoide—the infamous prison where many political detainees are held—relatives continue to vigilantly wait for news. Carmen Farfán, whose son and others were taken during a hospital visit, expressed desperation over the lack of information, stating, “We’ve been waiting many days without any answers.”
– Official Denials of Political Prisoners: The Venezuelan government has consistently denied holding political prisoners, claiming those detained are criminals. This position contrasts sharply with the opposition’s narrative that such detentions are primarily aimed at stifling dissent.
Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroad
As developments unfold, the situation in Venezuela represents a significant test of Trump’s influence. While interim President Delcy Rodríguez appears open to cooperation with the U.S., her administration simultaneously condemns any form of foreign intervention. The calls for true releases of political prisoners are becoming increasingly urgent among activists and families alike, raising questions about the interim government’s commitment to meaningful change.
In navigating these turbulent waters, both U.S. leadership and Venezuelan authorities face a pivotal moment where promises must turn into tangible actions.