Venezuela says it will free 'important number' of prisoners DW 01/08/2026

"The Venezuela government on Thursday said it will release an "important number" of prisoners, including some foreigners. The move follows the kidnapping of the now-deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an attack by US forces last weekend. Why is Venezuela releasing political prisoners? National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez, the brother of Venezuela's new interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, said the release "is happening right now." He did not specify how many prisoners would be released."

"Jorge Rodriguez said the release is for the sake of "peaceful coexistence." To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said five Spaniards are among the prisoners being released. "The government of Spain welcomes the liberation today in Caracas of five Spaniards, one of them a dual national, who are preparing to travel to Spain," a statement from the ministry said."

"Venezuelan human rights organization Penal Forum (Foro Penal) and its director Alfredo Romero welcomed the news in a post on X. The group earlier said that as of January 5, there were still 806 political prisoners in Venezuela and called for their release. US Senate votes to curb Trump's military operations in Venezuela Meanwhile, the extraordinary raid last weekend by the US military to capture Maduro has sparked a debate on whether US President Donald Trump should be limited in pursuing further action in Venezuela."

Venezuelan authorities announced the imminent release of an important number of prisoners, including some foreigners. National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez said the release "is happening right now" and did not specify how many would be freed. Rodriguez said the move aims to foster "peaceful coexistence." The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said five Spaniards, including one dual national, are among those being released and are preparing to travel to Spain. Human rights group Penal Forum and director Alfredo Romero welcomed the development and previously reported 806 political prisoners as of January 5. A recent US military raid to capture President Maduro prompted a US Senate vote restricting further unilateral military action.

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