A Venezuelan merchant, Pedro José González Cavanier, was released from El Rodeo I prison late Friday night after being detained for over two months. His arrest stemmed from expressing an opinion on WhatsApp regarding Nicolás Maduro following reports of Maduro’s capture by United States authorities.
Details of the Release
According to reports from the EFE news agency, González Cavanier’s sister was waiting near the prison and rushed to find him upon hearing someone call his name. Upon seeing her brother, she embraced him, and they were both met with embraces from other women gathered outside the prison, awaiting the release of their own family members.
“They came to my cell, asked my name, gave me a preliminary check-up, checked everything, tension, hypoglycemia and, once the check-up was done, they took me to the floor and told me that my freedom was proceeding. Thank God I am free and soon the freedom of all,” González Cavanier, 42, told EFE after his release.
Overjoyed, he immediately called his mother, who rushed to meet him after briefly returning home to rest. The reunion was marked by tears.
González Cavanier expressed surprise that his relatives were present, given that they reside approximately 500 km from Caracas in the state of Bolívar.
He stated that he was accused of “inciting hatred” for sending a laughing sticker to a colleague he considered a friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Pedro José González Cavanier accused of?
He was accused of “inciting hatred” after sending a laughing sticker on WhatsApp in response to a message about Nicolás Maduro.
Where was González Cavanier detained?
He was initially detained in the state of Bolívar on January 21, 2026, and subsequently held at El Rodeo I prison.
How did González Cavanier react to his release?
He expressed gratitude and hope for the freedom of others, and immediately contacted his mother.
As González Cavanier begins to rebuild his life with family, the broader implications of his detention and release remain to be seen.
