Overview
- Jorge Rodríguez said a significant number of Venezuelan and foreign detainees are being released and that details on totals and names will follow.
- Italy confirmed the releases of entrepreneur Luigi Gasperin and politician-journalist Biagio Pilieri, while efforts continue for Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlò.
- Spain’s government said five Spanish nationals have been freed, describing the development as a cautious first step.
- Rodríguez credited mediation by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Qatar, even as Caracas insists the decision is unilateral.
- Human-rights monitors say Venezuela still holds hundreds of political prisoners, with Foro Penal citing 863 cases including 86 foreign or dual nationals, and some outlets reporting provisional counts of roughly 250 releases so far.