Reveal A Dictator Deposed—What Now for Venezuela?
19 snips
Jan 17, 2026 
Freddy Guevara, a Venezuelan opposition leader in exile, shares his harrowing journey through arrest and negotiation while expressing skepticism about the new leadership. Journalist Mariana Zúñiga recounts her gripping experience witnessing the upheaval in Caracas, highlighting the pervasive fear among citizens. Historian Alejandro Velasco delves into the vital role of oil in Venezuela's history and its impact on U.S. relations. Together, they discuss the uncertain future of Venezuela, the implications of Maduro's capture, and the complex road ahead for democracy.
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A Night Waking To Explosions And WhatsApp News
- Mariana Zúñiga woke up to explosions and helicopters and pieced together events via WhatsApp because mainstream media were censored.
- She reported checkpoints manned by young, masked, armed civilians that revived fears of colectivos and phone checks.
Transition, Not Instant Transformation
- Maduro's arrest produced a gray transition where old repression remains despite regime change.
- Delcy Rodríguez runs the country now and small gestures like releasing some political prisoners may not signal deep reform.
El Helicoide: Mall Turned Torture Prison
- El Helicoide, designed as a shopping mall, became a notorious state security prison in central Caracas.
- Prisoners reported torture there, so talk of closing it resonated but the government showed no signs of doing so.
