Venezuelan Government Releases Political Prisoners Amid US Pressure

Sat Jan 10 2026 00:42:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a move described as goodwill, the Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including Spanish nationals. This follows increased pressure from the US after President Maduro's capture.

The Venezuelan government has started releasing political prisoners, a response to US pressure following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. A few detainees, including notable rights activist Rocío San Miguel, have been freed as part of a goodwill gesture aimed at fostering national unity. However, concerns remain about the impacts of ongoing political repression in the country.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture.

Spain's foreign ministry said five of its nationals, including one dual national, had been released. Among them is thought to be rights activist Rocío San Miguel.

The move comes after the US seized Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on the capital, Caracas, to face drug trafficking charges in New York.

The release of political prisoners in Venezuela has been a long-held US demand, especially during moments of heightened repression around elections or protests.

Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, announced on state television that 'a significant number' of prisoners would be released immediately, although the exact number and identities were not specified.

Hundreds of political prisoners remain detained in Venezuelan prisons, with only a few being released so far.

The announcement about the prisoners is happening alongside comments from US President Donald Trump, expressing intent to close notorious prisons like El Helicoide, known for their brutal treatment of political detainees.

As the situation develops, human rights organizations remain cautious, warning that the outlook for political prisoners across Venezuela still needs significant improvement.