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9h ago

Venezuela’s Promised Prisoner Releases Reach 18 After Maduro’s Capture

Rights monitors say the freed group represents only a small fraction of the more than 800 people they classify as political prisoners.

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

  • Human rights groups report at least 18 detainees have been released, though authorities have not provided an official list or total.
  • Foro Penal estimates about 811 people remain jailed for political reasons, including more than 80 foreign nationals.
  • Those freed include five Spanish citizens such as activist Rocío San Miguel, who arrived in Madrid, and opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri.
  • Families continue to wait outside facilities like Rodeo I and El Helicoide with scant information as advocates decry opaque, potentially conditioned releases.
  • President Trump canceled a planned second strike on Venezuela and signed an order to shield oil revenues held in U.S. accounts, while U.S. pressure also coincided with Nicaragua announcing prisoner releases.