Venezuelan Government Initiates Release of Political Prisoners Amidst US Pressure

Sat Jan 10 2026 01:01:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Venezuelan government has started releasing political prisoners, including rights activist Rocío San Miguel, as part of a goodwill gesture following significant US military actions against President Nicolás Maduro.

In a move being viewed as a goodwill gesture, the Venezuelan government has begun releasing political prisoners, including several nationals from Spain and prominent human rights activist Rocío San Miguel. This comes on the heels of a US action that saw President Nicolás Maduro facing drug trafficking charges in New York. The action is part of ongoing US demands for the release of detainees amidst rising repression surrounding elections and protests in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has begun releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture.

Spain's foreign ministry said five of its nationals, including one dual national, had been released. Among them is thought to be rights activist Rocío San Miguel.

The move comes after the US seized Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on the capital, Caracas, on Saturday, to face drug trafficking charges in New York.

The release of political prisoners in Venezuela has been a long-held US demand, especially during moments of heightened repression around elections or protests.

Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly and the brother of its interim president Delcy Rodríguez, announced on state television that a significant number would be released immediately, without specifying the number or identity of prisoners being freed.

Hundreds of political prisoners are detained in Venezuelan prisons, with only a handful thought to have been released so far. Jorge Rodríguez said the interim government was releasing them in the interest of national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The release of San Miguel, an expert in security, defence and Venezuela's military, was the first confirmed release. She had been arrested at Maiquetia airport in February 2024, accused of treason, conspiracy, and terrorism.

Venezuelan human rights organisations welcomed the news with caution. Despite being a key supporter of Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez’s interim administration seems willing to cooperate with the US for a change in their relations.

Additionally, reports indicate that around 50 to 80 prisoners might be held at the notorious El Helicoide prison, previously streamlined for closing as announced by US President Trump.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been vocal against Maduro's regime, has previously demanded releases. In a recent interview, she expressed hope for cooperation from the US government concerning the pressing human rights issues in her country.

Human rights groups have reported ongoing detentions used to silence dissent, especially after the disputed 2024 election in Venezuela. The government, however, claims all detentions are justified for actual crimes.