Venezuelan Government's Goodwill Gesture: Political Prisoners Released

Sat Jan 10 2026 04:06:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising turn of events, the Venezuelan government has initiated the release of political prisoners, a decision welcomed by human rights organizations and critics alike. This move, described as a gesture for national unity, follows recent pressures from international entities including the US.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including several detained human rights activists. This decision comes amidst international pressure following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by US authorities. Despite the goodwill gesture, human rights organizations remain cautious as hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated.

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. 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 freed prisoner to be confirmed. She was arrested at Maiquetia airport in February 2024 and faced charges including treason and conspiracy.

Venezuelan human rights organisations welcomed the news with caution. Despite being a key lieutenant of Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez's interim administration has appeared willing to co-operate with the US since it took its leader and made sweeping declarations about the South American nation's future.

About 50 to 80 prisoners are believed to be held at the notorious El Helicoide prison, which US President Donald Trump mentioned would be closed following Maduro's capture. The prison is known for reports of torture and has become a symbol of political repression.

Venezuelan human rights group Provea warned that the anticipated closure of El Helicoide should not deflect attention from other detention sites still operational across the country. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has several close allies in prison, has repeatedly demanded releases.

The announcement also comes shortly after US President Donald Trump stated that he had given orders to close that prison, reflecting the ongoing international scrutiny of Venezuela's human rights record.

In the wake of rising tensions and international attention, the Venezuelan government's decision to release political prisoners may signal a shift in approach as the nation navigates complex diplomatic waters.