Venezuelan government begins releasing political prisoners

Venezuela’s government has begun releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials say is a goodwill gesture.

Spain’s foreign ministry said five Spanish nationals, including a dual national, had been released. Among them is believed to be human rights activist Rocío San Miguel.

The move comes after the U.S. Capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro He faces drug trafficking charges in New York after a lightning attack in the capital Caracas on Saturday.

The release of Venezuelan political prisoners has been a longstanding U.S. demand, especially during periods of heightened repression surrounding elections or protests.

Jorge Rodriguez, speaker of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, announced on state television that a “large number” of prisoners would be released immediately, without specifying the number or identities of those released.

Hundreds of political prisoners are being held in Venezuelan prisons, and only a few are believed to have been released so far.

Jorge Rodriguez said the interim government released them for the sake of “national unity and peaceful coexistence.”

The release of San Miguel, an expert in security, defense and the Venezuelan military, is the first confirmed release of a prisoner. She was arrested in February 2024 at Maiquetia Airport near Caracas.

At the time, San Miguel Beer was said to be an outspoken critic of Maduro. Involved in a plot to assassinate the then-President. and faces charges of treason, conspiracy and terrorism.

Venezuelan human rights groups – some of which have members or their founders in jail – were cautious about the news.

Despite being a key deputy to Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez’s interim government has appeared willing to cooperate with the United States since taking power. makes a sweeping statement about the future of the South American country.

The notorious El Helicord prison, which US President Donald Trump announced would be closed following Maduro’s arrest, is believed to house around 50 to 80 inmates.

The prison has gained international notoriety for detaining so-called political opponents, and rights groups have reported torture including beatings and electrocutions.

The news came shortly after US President Donald Trump said he had “ordered the closure” of the prison, which has become one of the country’s most notorious symbols of political repression.

Venezuelan human rights group Provea warned that El Helicoide’s expected closure should not divert attention from other detention facilities still operating across the country.

Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado has several close allies in prison and she has repeatedly called for her release.

Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ “Hannity” that Machado was expected to come to the United States “sometime next week.”

Machado told host Sean Hannity earlier this week that she would like to award the Nobel Peace Prize to the US president. When Hannity asked Trump if he would accept the offer, he said “that would be a huge honor.”

Venezuela’s opposition and human rights groups have said for years that the government uses detentions to stamp out dissent and silence critics.

The opposition claims there has been an increase in legal proceedings against activists, journalists and political opponents since the disputed 2024 election.

Justice Minister Tariq Saab and others in the government have repeatedly denied that Venezuela holds political prisoners, saying the detainees were arrested for real crimes.

Additional reporting by Norberto Paredes.