Former mayor Javier Oropeza released after six hours in detention in Carora

The former mayor of Torres municipality, Javier Oropeza, was detained and released the same day, about 48 hours after returning to Venezuela following two years abroad, Infobae reported. Per that outlet, the detention followed an interview he gave to a local newspaper and lasted about six hours.

María Corina Machado described what happened as a kidnapping, according to Infobae. On video, Patricia Poleo said she hopes the same pressure that arose over Oropeza also appears for other political prisoners, citing a Foro Penal figure of 344 political prisoners as of September 14.

«I hope the same pressure that appeared immediately for Javier Oropeza also appears for the civilian and military political prisoners who remain detained.»— Patricia Poleo, September 19, 2026 · watch