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3h ago

Venezuela's Political Prisoner Releases Remain Limited Despite Government Pledge

Rights monitors say only about 18 have been freed so far, leaving more than 800 still jailed.

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

  • Venezuelan authorities promised a significant release, but rights group Foro Penal and other monitors have verified only a small, phased set of releases with counts rising to roughly 18.
  • Officials have not published a comprehensive list, prompting families to wait outside prisons for updates and fueling concerns about opaque procedures and conditions attached to releases.
  • Early releases include five Spanish citizens such as activist Rocío San Miguel, along with Venezuelan opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri, with the Spanish nationals arriving in Madrid.
  • President Donald Trump credited U.S. pressure, said he canceled a planned second wave of strikes, and signed an order to shield Venezuelan oil revenues held in U.S. accounts from creditor seizures.
  • U.S. pressure has reverberated regionally as Nicaragua announced it freed dozens of detainees, a move opposition and rights groups there linked to stepped-up U.S. demands.