Overview
- The government initially announced five releases, and subsequent reporting now cites nine Spanish nationals excarcerated, though authorities have withheld identities under data‑protection rules.
- The returnees were received out of public view in Madrid by Secretary of State Susana Sumelzo, with no airport appearance by Pedro Sánchez or José Manuel Albares, and later met Albares privately.
- Albares called reports of a government‑imposed silence “false,” saying the freed citizens are free to speak to media, while the Office of Diplomatic Information also denied any prohibition.
- Family sources told ABC the lack of public statements stems from an alleged Venezuelan order, and one released individual privately described early isolation as psychologically punishing.
- Framing the releases as a positive step, Albares urged acting president Delcy Rodríguez to free all political prisoners and said Spain has no indications of imminent additional releases.