Good News for Venezuela: Political Prisoners Start to be Released!

Sat Jan 10 2026 10:48:01 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Venezuela's government begins a new chapter by releasing political prisoners, including prominent activists. This move follows international pressure and signifies a step towards potential reconciliation.

In a surprising turn of events, the Venezuelan government has initiated the release of political prisoners considered unjustly detained by human rights groups. The release includes notable figures such as rights activist Rocío San Miguel. This action is interpreted as a goodwill gesture following intense international scrutiny and demands for change, particularly from the U.S. President, who commended the move as a sign of seeking peace. While hundreds remain detained, this significant step may spark hope for further changes in Venezuela's political climate.

The Venezuelan government has started releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in a gesture aimed at improving relations with the international community.

Spain's foreign ministry confirmed that five of its nationals, including the prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel, have been released. This news comes in the wake of intensified international scrutiny and a dramatic raid in Caracas where the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to face drug trafficking charges in New York.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised the releases as a 'very important and smart gesture' during a recent statement. He suggested that this was a sign of Venezuela’s intent to seek peace, which concurrently led to the cancellation of additional punitive measures against the country.

Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, stated on television that a significant number of political prisoners would be released, although he did not specify the total. Human rights advocates have warned that while this may be a positive development, many political prisoners still remain in detention.

Rocío San Miguel was particularly notable, having faced severe charges including treason and conspiracy after her arrest in 2024. The reaction from human rights activists is cautiously optimistic, as they stress the need for formal acknowledgment of the plight of those still incarcerated.

The notorious El Helicoide prison, which has been under scrutiny for its treatment of political prisoners, is also at the center of this evolving narrative as discussions about its possible closure circulate due to Trump’s recent actions and statements. However, human rights organizations emphasize that closing one facility does not resolve the broader issues of detention and human rights abuses in Venezuela.