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9h ago

Venezuela Frees Only a Handful of Political Prisoners After Mass-Release Pledge

The U.S. pause of a second strike hinges on releases that monitors say number only nine so far.

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
Image
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

  • Authorities announced a plan to free a significant number of detainees, but rights group Foro Penal confirmed only about 8–12 releases, with nine verified by Friday evening.
  • Those freed include five Spanish citizens such as Rocío San Miguel, as well as opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri, soldier Larry Osorio, and opposition member Aracelis Balza.
  • Foro Penal estimates more than 800 people remain jailed for political reasons, and Venezuela has not issued an official list or clear criteria for releases.
  • President Donald Trump canceled a planned second wave of strikes, linking the decision to the prisoner releases and maintaining U.S. naval positioning for security.
  • Families kept vigil outside prisons like Rodeo I and El Helicoide, reporting scarce information, while some inmates learned only from visitors about Maduro’s capture and the promised releases.