Armed men abduct Venezuelan opposition ally hours after prison release

Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado said her ally Juan Pablo Guanipa was kidnapped hours after his release from prison, with heavily armed men in civilian clothes taking him in Caracas. The incident follows the government’s release of several detainees linked to political activities, part of domestic and international pressure to ease political prisoners. Guanipa had spent about eight months in custody, and his family has demanded proof of life and his immediate release.