Venezuelan Government Initiates Release of Political Prisoners

Fri Jan 09 2026 22:31:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move towards easing political tensions, the Venezuelan government has started releasing detainees classified as political prisoners, following international pressure and recent events in the country's political landscape.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including rights activist Rocío San Miguel, following a goodwill gesture signaling a willingness to address longstanding human rights concerns. This decision comes amidst heightened pressures from the United States and various human rights organizations advocating for change. Authorities indicate that more releases may follow to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence.

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, on Saturday, 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 and the brother of its interim president Delcy Rodríguez, announced on state television that a significant number would be released immediately, without specifying the number or identity of prisoners being freed.

Hundreds of political prisoners are detained in Venezuelan prisons, with only a handful thought to have been released so far.

Jorge Rodríguez said the interim government was releasing them in the interest of national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The release of San Miguel, who is an expert in security, defence and Venezuela's military, was the first confirmed freed prisoner. She was arrested at Maiquetia airport, near Caracas, in February 2024.

Venezuelan human rights organisations, some of which have members or their founders in jail, welcomed the news with caution.

The announcement also comes shortly after US President Donald Trump stated he had given orders to close El Helicoide prison, notorious for detaining alleged political opponents.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has allies in prison, has repeatedly demanded releases, further pressuring the government amidst allegations of using detentions to silence critics.