Dissent Lab

Jesus Armas - Venezuela

We're living a moment of extreme global turmoil now in the 21st century with too many governments turning away from human rights or the rights of their citizens and many activists and citizens wanting to know how to move forward and what to do next. So the idea for this series is simple. Speak to, listen to, and learn from activists around the globe who've played a critical role in fighting tyranny . At the end of March, we interviewed Jesus Armas, a Venezuelan opposition leader who was released from prison in February after 14 months in the jails of dictator Nicolas Maduro and his regime. On January 3, 2026, Armas was asleep inside Venezuela's most notorious prison. He heard a a huge explosion and was unaware that the Trump Administration ordered the capture of Maduro. He talks to host Peter Green about his escape, his past and how he plans to move his country forward. Armas ' story is bone chilling, but inspiring.