Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners In Gesture After U.S. Pressu

Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners In Gesture After U.S. Pressure

Venezuela has begun releasing an “important number” of political prisoners, a surprise move that may signal the new government is bowing to mounting pressure from the United States following the capture of longtime strongman Nicolás Maduro.

National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez announced the releases on Thursday, calling them a “unilateral gesture to maintain the peace.” Rights groups estimate Venezuela still holds between 800 and 900 political prisoners — most detained during Maduro’s rule — but early releases have already sparked scenes of emotional reunions on the streets of Caracas.

Video shared by Venezuelan journalists showed prominent opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri embracing supporters after their release. The Spanish government confirmed that at least five detainees — including dual nationals — were freed and preparing to return to Spain.

Among them is Rocío San Miguel, a well-known human rights lawyer detained in February 2024, along with Andrés Martínez, José María Basoa, Miguel Moreno and Ernesto Gorbe. Spanish authorities previously rejected claims that some of the men were terrorists or undercover agents, insisting they had entered Venezuela legally.

The White House welcomed the move, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly calling it an example of President Trump using “maximum leverage” to secure results for both Americans and Venezuelans. The U.S. has long accused Venezuela of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals and opposition figures as political bargaining chips.

Families of remaining prisoners remain cautiously hopeful. María Constanza Cipriani, whose husband Perkins Rocha has been held for a year in Caracas’s notorious Helicoide prison, said Trump’s recent remarks about shutting down torture facilities gave her renewed hope.

“My heart is in my mouth,” she said. “I am waiting for the call.”

Opposition groups say the releases are only a first step — and that international pressure must continue until every political prisoner is freed.

Key Takeaways

1. Partial Prisoner Release Signals Shift: Venezuela’s decision to free detainees suggests growing U.S. leverage after Maduro’s capture.

2. Foreign Nationals Among Those Freed: Spain confirmed the release of five detainees, including a prominent human rights lawyer.

3. Families Still Waiting: Hundreds remain imprisoned, with relatives clinging to hope amid fears the move could be symbolic rather than systemic.