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10h ago

Venezuela Begins Limited Release of Political Prisoners as U.S. Pressure Mounts

Rights groups say roughly 18–21 people have been freed so far, a small fraction of the 800-plus detainees tracked by NGOs.

Family members of detainees shelter from the rain outside the El Rodeo jail, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that a number of foreign and Venezuelan prisoners will be released, in El Rodeo, Miranda state, Venezuela January 10, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa
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El Helicoide, the headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and detention center, stands in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the government would release Venezuelan and foreign prisoners. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Shakira Ibarreto leaves the Rodeo I prison after visiting her father, Miguel Ibarreto, in Guatire, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the government would release Venezuelan and foreign prisoners (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Overview

  • Foro Penal and other groups verified releases that include several Spanish nationals as well as opposition figures Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri and Virgilio Laverde, with no official list from authorities.
  • National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez pledged a significant release, while activists decry opaque transfers and incomplete, unverified information about who is being freed.
  • President Donald Trump credited U.S. involvement, said he canceled a planned second wave of strikes, and signed an order shielding U.S.-held Venezuelan oil revenues from creditor seizures.
  • Families kept vigil outside El Rodeo and El Helicoide as some detainees learned only during visits that Nicolás Maduro was captured and taken to New York on U.S. charges.
  • Acting leader Delcy Rodríguez vowed to seek Maduro’s return, and the opposition reported a detained police officer died in custody as calls continue for comprehensive, verifiable releases.