Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, asserted Wednesday that there are no political prisoners in the country’s socialist regime; instead, he referred to them as fortunate criminals receiving “another chance” from the government.
Cabello, often seen as a perilous figure within the Venezuelan regime, is wanted by U.S. authorities on charges of narco-terrorism, with a bounty of $25 million on his head. In a recent episode of his socialism-promoting show, con el mazo dando (“Whack it with a Malt”), he reiterated his call for “unity” among Venezuelan socialists, though, notably, this episode lacked a live audience unlike previous ones.
During the broadcast, Cabello remarked, “I want everyone to make a fuss” and expressed a desire to “take credit for something that isn’t anyone’s fault.” Last week, President Trump mentioned that a second wave of attacks in Venezuela was called off after the socialist government agreed to release “a large number” of political prisoners. However, as of now, there haven’t been any significant releases; only a few minor ones were confirmed post-announcement.
Cabello, who insists that there are no political prisoners under the Venezuelan regime, suggested that recent releases were aligned with a decree allegedly issued by former dictator Nicolás Maduro in December, aimed at “reexamining the cases of those detained for acts of violence.” He maintained that those recently freed were part of this review.
According to Cabello, the opposition’s designation of political prisoners misrepresents them as irresponsible individuals who would harm others or damage national infrastructure for political motives. He asserted, “Political prisoners have other characteristics.”
Cabello further noted that Venezuela’s Ministry of Justice and other institutions claimed that “nearly 200 people” were released in late December by Maduro’s “orders,” all closely monitored by the socialist regime now led by “acting president” Delcy Rodríguez, following the U.S. action that resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife.
Cabello claimed that the total number of those released exceeded “400,” but did not provide any documentation to back his statements.
“This is a welcome concession. Those who have attacked facilities and caused damage know some of their actions led to Venezuelan deaths,” he stated. “Today, it is the Bolivarian government giving you a second chance, not those who led you into this mess,” he added during another portion of the broadcast.
Cabello also emphasized that the socialist regime was “united as one solid bloc,” comprised of “our people, our army, and our police.”
Human rights organizations, both national and international, have thoroughly documented numerous cases of Venezuelans and foreigners identified as political prisoners by the ruling socialists over the years.
By the end of 2025, the Venezuelan non-governmental organization Foro Penal had documented 863 political prisoners, many held in notorious facilities like helicoid, known as the regime’s largest and most infamous torture center.
As of Wednesday evening, Foro Penal confirmed the release of only 84 individuals, most of whom were Venezuelan nationals, although a few had dual citizenship. They published a list detailing the names, nationalities, detention centers, and durations of detention for these individuals.
Just hours before Cabello’s broadcast, “acting president” Rodríguez stated, appearing alongside Cabello and National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, that the regime had released “406 people,” though she too refrained from labeling them political prisoners. She echoed Cabello’s claim that this release was part of an order from Maduro, later reaffirming it on social media.
“We continue to assess the situation and inform the country that we are proceeding with the prisoner release process initiated by President Nicolás Maduro in 2025, to comply with the law and foster a new political climate of coexistence and respect among Venezuelans,” Rodríguez shared.
