Venezuelan police arrested opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa on Friday. They accused him of trying to sabotage the upcoming elections. These elections will choose members of parliament and 24 governors. The opposition plans to boycott the vote.

Guanipa is 60 years old. He is a former lawmaker and a close ally of opposition leader María Corina Machado. His arrest increased tensions just two days before the vote. In response, Machado urged Venezuelans not to participate.

Disputed July Election Sparks Tensions

Both Guanipa and Machado went into hiding after the July 2024 presidential election. The opposition, along with many international observers, claimed opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia won that vote. They accused President Nicolás Maduro of stealing the election.

Interior Minister Accuses Guanipa of Terror Plot

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello spoke on state television. He said Guanipa was part of a terrorist network planning to disrupt Sunday’s vote. “He is one of the leaders of this terrorist network,” Cabello said.

Police reportedly found four mobile phones and a laptop with details of the plot. According to Cabello, the suspects planned to bomb hospitals, metro stations, police buildings, and power plants.

Authorities also seized explosives, weapons, detonators, and cash. So far, 70 people have been arrested. These include people from Ecuador, Argentina, Germany, Serbia, and Pakistan.

Guanipa Speaks Out After Arrest

Shortly after his arrest, Guanipa’s X account shared a message. “If you are reading this, it is because I have been kidnapped by the forces of Nicolas Maduro’s regime.”
He added, “I am not sure what will happen to me in the coming hours, days and weeks. But what I am sure of is that we will win the long fight against the dictatorship.”

US and Opposition Condemn Crackdown

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement. He said, “We are concerned by the unjustified and arbitrary arrest of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa and over 70 individuals.” He called it “a new wave of repression from the Maduro regime.”

Likewise, María Corina Machado accused the government of “STATE TERRORISM, pure and simple.” She described Guanipa as “an example for all citizens and political leaders, inside and outside Venezuela.”

Maduro’s Rule and Economic Collapse

Maduro has ruled Venezuela for 12 years. During his time in power, the country’s economy collapsed. Millions of people have fled, mainly to nearby countries.

In July, Maduro claimed victory in the presidential election but never released full results. The opposition published their own tally showing González Urrutia had clearly won.

Government Claims Guanipa Tried to Disrupt Both Votes

On Friday, Venezuela’s state prosecutor accused Guanipa of being part of a “criminal organization.” The office claimed he helped sabotage the July presidential election and this weekend’s vote.

Maduro, once a bus driver, was chosen by former president Hugo Chávez to succeed him in 2013. Since then, he has often claimed the U.S. and Colombia are plotting coups against him. As a result, arrests of opposition leaders have become common.

Flights Suspended and More Arrests

Earlier this week, Venezuela suspended all flights from Colombia. Authorities said they arrested dozens of “mercenaries” who had crossed into Venezuela.

Guanipa’s Role in Opposition Government

Guanipa is a trained lawyer. After the 2018 elections, which the opposition boycotted, he became vice president in a parallel government led by Juan Guaidó. The opposition refused to participate in the vote because their most popular candidates had been banned.