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21h ago

Venezuela’s Political Prisoner Releases Lag Far Behind Pledge

President Trump credits U.S. pressure for initial releases, with rights groups reporting more than 800 still detained.

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

  • At least 18 people have been freed since authorities vowed a “significant” release, including five Spanish citizens and opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri.
  • Foro Penal says more than 800 political prisoners remain, including over 80 foreign nationals, while families wait outside facilities without official lists or clarity on conditions.
  • Rights groups denounce an opaque, piecemeal process and urge verifiable, unconditional releases rather than symbolic gestures.
  • Trump says U.S. leverage prompted the move and he canceled a planned second wave of attacks, and he signed an order to protect Venezuelan oil revenue held in U.S. accounts.
  • Nicaragua says it has freed dozens of detainees following U.S. demands, a development opposition groups and NGOs link to regional pressure after events in Venezuela.