Venezuela announced it will release a significant number of prisoners. The government framed the move as a gesture to promote peace.

On Thursday, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said the releases began immediately. He said both Venezuelans and foreign nationals are included. However, he did not give exact numbers or names.

Rodríguez said the decision aims to support national unity. He made the announcement during a broadcast on state television.

Meanwhile, the move follows a dramatic change in Venezuela’s political landscape. Just days earlier, the United States captured longtime President Nicolás Maduro. U.S. forces took him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

Since then, U.S. officials have pushed for major changes in Venezuela. According to sources, those demands include the release of political prisoners.

Shortly after Rodríguez spoke, Spain confirmed the release of five Spaniards. One of them holds dual citizenship. Spanish officials said the group was already flying home.

Spain’s foreign minister welcomed the decision. He described it as a positive step in a new phase for Venezuela.

However, uncertainty remains. Days before Maduro’s capture, U.S. officials said Venezuelan forces had detained at least five Americans. The U.S. believed the arrests served as leverage. It is still unclear if any Americans are included in the releases.

At the same time, rights groups are watching closely. Alfredo Romero of the Penal Forum said his organization will verify each release.

Likewise, the Committee for the Liberation of Political Prisoners in Venezuela called for transparency. The group warned that secrecy increases anxiety for families.

Venezuela has long faced criticism over political detentions. Opposition leaders and foreign governments accuse authorities of silencing dissent. Caracas has repeatedly rejected those claims.

After the disputed 2024 election, the government arrested more than 2,000 people, according to Amnesty International. As of early January, the Penal Forum reported 863 political prisoners remained jailed.

Many detainees are held at El Helicoide in Caracas. The facility once aimed to be a shopping complex. Now, it houses intelligence services and detainees.

Human Rights Watch has reported serious abuses. Its 2025 investigation found prisoners held in isolation and denied legal access.

Since Maduro’s removal, fears persist. Many worry the new leadership could continue harsh policies.

After the release announcement, families gathered outside El Helicoide. They waited for news. However, officials offered no details.

Countries Mentioned:

• Venezuela
• United States
• Spain

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