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3h ago

Venezuela Claims Over 100 Prisoners Freed as UN, Families Dispute Numbers

Rights monitors verify only a fraction of the releases, underscoring a transparency gap.

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People celebrate after President Donald Trump announced Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured and flown out of the country, in Doral, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Jen Golbeck)
Relatives of political detainees wait outside Zone 7 of the Bolivarian National Police after spending the night there in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Relatives wait outside Zone 7 of the Bolivarian National Police, where political detainees are held, after spending the night there in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Overview

  • The Penitentiary Services Ministry says 116 detainees were freed in recent hours, while rights groups have verified only about 41–50 and estimate 800–1,200 remain jailed.
  • UN human rights investigators welcomed any releases but said the partial tally falls far short of Venezuela’s obligations and urged immediate, unconditional freedom for all arbitrarily detained.
  • Relatives continue vigils outside El Rodeo and El Helicoide demanding proof of life and access, after prosecutors confirmed a 52-year-old detainee died in custody last week.
  • Italy confirmed two citizens were released from El Rodeo and are at its embassy, as several Venezuelan opposition figures were also let go in the initial tranche.
  • U.S. pressure is driving talks as envoys visited Caracas and President Trump plans to meet María Corina Machado, with Nicolás Maduro held in New York and Delcy Rodríguez acting as interim leader.