The Venezuelan authorities reported the release of a significant number of prisoners, among whom are both opposition activists and foreigners. At this time, the exact number of those released and their names remain unknown. According to media reports, there are about 800 political prisoners currently in custody in the country.
On January 8, Thursday, the Venezuelan government officially announced the release of a "significant number" of prisoners, including well-known opposition politicians. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that among those released are five citizens of Spain, according to the dpa agency.
According to the newspaper El Nacional, Venezuelan opposition member Juan Pablo Guanipa and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel will be released. The release of former presidential candidate Enrique Márquez and Rafael Tudela, the son-in-law of Edmundo González Urrutia, who, according to the opposition and international observers, won against Nicolás Maduro in the last elections, is also expected.
Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuelan jails
According to the human rights organization Foro Penal, there are currently about 800 political prisoners in Venezuela, many of whom were arrested during protests against Nicolás Maduro's re-election in 2024. International organizations and activists accuse the country's security forces of significant human rights violations.
Human rights activist Marta Tineo noted that the prisoners are being released from the "Helicoid" prison, known for its harsh conditions and torture of regime opponents.
Maria Corina Machado welcomed the news of the release
The leader of the Venezuelan opposition and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado reacted positively to the release of political prisoners. She previously described the recent Venezuelan government under Delcy Rodríguez as "temporary" and expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his actions aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, calling it "a huge step for humanity, freedom, and human dignity."
