Former Vice-President of the Legislative Assembly, which was underground, is allied close to the opponent María Corina Machado, who calls him ‘brother’
The government of the announced on Friday (23) the arrest of opposing leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, accused of integrating an alleged “terrorist network” who, according to the authorities, planned actions against the legislative and state elections scheduled for this Sunday. The announcement was made by the interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, in a speech broadcast by state TV. Cabello stated that Guanipa is “one of the leaders” of the network and presented as proof four cell phones and a computer seized with the opponent. “There is all the plan,” he said.
Guanipa, who was underground, is an ally close to the opponent, who called him a “brother.” He was deputy of the National Assembly elected in 2015, controlled by the opposition, and reached the vice presidency of the House in 2020, when Juan Guaidó was recognized by several countries as interim president of Venezuela.
During the announcement, Cabello also reported that other people, including foreigners, were detained for alleged involvement in the conspiracy. Images displayed by TV showed handcuffed Guanipa, wearing bulletproof vest and escorted by hooded agents.
Shortly after the arrest, a message attributed to Guanipa was published in his account on Network X (former Twitter): “If they are reading this, it is because I was kidnapped by the forces of Nicolás Maduro regime.” The post still said, “I’m not sure what will happen to me in the next few hours, days and weeks. But I’m sure we’ll win the long fight against the dictatorship.”
*With information from AFP
Posted by Felipe Cerqueira
