After serving as Mayor of Chacao from 2000 to 2008, the prominent Venezuelan politician went on to establish and lead a national, progressive political movement known as Voluntad Popular—commonly referred to as Popular Will. Now, before he rose to fame, he had already laid a strong academic foundation: he earned a degree in sociology from Kenyon College, located in Ohio, U.S.A., and later pursued advanced studies, obtaining a master’s in public policy from Harvard University. Around 2007, he married Lilian Tintori, a well-known human rights activist, marking the beginning of a high-profile partnership that would draw international attention. Together, they welcomed two children—a son named Leopoldo Santiago and a daughter named Manuela Rafaela. Throughout his journey, his leadership and vision have remained central, with many seeing him as a key figure in Venezuela’s modern political landscape. His name, often mentioned in discussions about democracy and reform, continues to resonate across Latin America and beyond.
He was taken into custody due to his involvement in the 2014 Venezuelan protests, an event that drew significant international attention. The United Nations expressed concern over the situation, emphasizing that the arrest appeared to be politically motivated. Similarly, Amnesty International stepped forward, criticizing the move and labeling it as an unjust political maneuver. He faced mounting pressure from human rights organizations, all of which questioned the legitimacy of the charges. Over time, he became a symbol of resistance for many, with global advocates calling for his release. Throughout the ordeal, he remained a focal point in discussions about freedom of expression and political repression in the region.