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22h ago

Venezuela's Promised Mass Prisoner Release Yields Only Nine Confirmed Freed

Rights monitors say hundreds remain jailed despite the government's pledge.

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
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)
Women gather outside El Rodeo jail after Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced that a significant number of both foreign and Venezuelan prisoners will be freed, in El Rodeo, Miranda state, Venezuela January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Gaby Oraa

Overview

  • Foro Penal confirmed at least nine releases by Friday, contradicting officials' vow to free a significant number of detainees.
  • The rights group estimates roughly 811 people remain held for political reasons after the initial releases.
  • Those freed include five Spanish citizens such as activist Rocío San Miguel, former candidate Enrique Márquez, journalist Biagio Pilieri, soldier Larry Osorio, and opposition member Aracelis Balza.
  • There is no official list of who will be freed, and human-rights organizations demand transparent, verifiable, and unconditional releases.
  • Families waited outside prisons for updates as some inmates were unaware of Nicolás Maduro’s U.S. capture and President Donald Trump claimed cooperation led him to cancel a second wave of attacks.