The Venezuelan government has started 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 had been released, including prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel, whose family confirmed the news to US media.
This move comes following the US capture of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on Caracas for drug trafficking charges.
US President Donald Trump called the release of political prisoners—a long-held US demand—a very important and smart gesture from Venezuela, emphasizing it as a sign of the country seeking peace.
Officials from Venezuela's National Assembly announced a significant number of releases, though specifics on the identities of those freed were not disclosed.
Despite only a handful of political prisoners believed to be released so far, hundreds remain detained under harsh conditions. Jorge Rodríguez stated that the releases aim to promote national unity.
Notably, Rocío San Miguel, criticized for her vocal opposition to the Maduro regime, became the first confirmed detainee to be freed. Her arrest had alarmed human rights groups, eliciting concerns over enforced disappearances.
The anticipated closure of notorious El Helicoide prison, known for human rights abuses, follows Trump’s announcement and has drawn cautious optimism from rights organizations.
While Venezuelan authorities continue to deny the existence of political prisoners, multiple organizations have raised alarms about the use of detentions to silence dissent and critique of the government.
