Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro

Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro

The Venezuelan government has begun freeing detainees identified by human rights organisations as political prisoners, calling the move a goodwill step toward national unity and peaceful coexistence. (AAP News)

Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced on state television that a “significant number” of both Venezuelan and foreign detainees would be released immediately, though he did not disclose an exact total or list of names. (Tribune Online)

Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed that five of its citizens, including **Venezuelan-Spanish human rights activist Rocío San Miguel — a prominent lawyer and security specialist detained in February 2024 — were among those freed in the initial wave of releases. (Reuters)

The releases follow the U.S. military operation last weekend that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face federal charges, a development that has intensified international pressure on Caracas’ interim government. (ABC News)

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Rodríguez said the move is intended to strengthen peace and reconciliation, but did not clarify whether all those freed would be granted full liberty or subject to conditions such as travel restrictions. (AAP News)

Human rights organisations estimate Venezuela still holds hundreds of political prisoners — possibly more than 800 — many detained after the disputed 2024 election or for critical political activity. Advocates have welcomed the releases with cautious optimism, urging that broader amnesty and systemic reforms are needed to address widespread arbitrary detention and repression. (Tribune Online)

Opposition figures released so far include Biaggio Pilieri, an ally of prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado, and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral authority and 2024 presidential candidate. Videos on social media show released prisoners reuniting with loved ones outside Venezuelan prisons, highlighting the personal impact of the government’s decision. (WDIO.com)

Rodríguez described the releases as part of efforts to promote peace, though critics note the government continues to deny it holds political prisoners, maintaining that those detained were involved in crimes including plots to destabilise the state. (PBS)

International human rights groups and family members of detainees have stressed that while the initial releases are a positive step, sustained transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that the rights of all detainees are respected and that arbitrary detentions do not continue. (PBS)

Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro