Venezuela’s Political Prisoner Release Update

On Thursday night, Venezuela’s government announced the release of a small number of political prisoners among the over 800 currently detained in various facilities. According to the NGO Foro Penal, there were 863 confirmed political prisoners as of late December 2025, with the whereabouts of 68 individuals still unknown. Most of those imprisoned are adults, with just one minor involved.

Jorge Rodríguez, who heads the Socialist-controlled National Assembly and is related to the acting president, stated that the government planned to free a “significant number” of both Venezuelans and foreign nationals held as political prisoners. They emphasized that this move was aimed at fostering a peaceful and productive environment in the country.

However, despite Rodríguez’s assurances, reports indicated that only a few individuals were released shortly afterward, with no mass release occurring by the time of reporting.

The Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), an opposition coalition, pointed out that by Friday morning, social media updates suggested only 11 political prisoners had been freed recently. There was conflicting information on the exact numbers, with a Venezuelan newspaper stating that just nine had been released, while another source confirmed 12. As of this moment, no information from state media has clarified these figures.

A notable portion of those released, based on ongoing reports, were Spaniards. Among them was Rocío San Miguel, an activist who had been arrested during a crackdown on dissent in early 2024, leading to significant international backlash.

Other releases included political figures such as Enrique Marquez and Biagio Pillieri, both detained for supporting opposition candidates in a controversial election. Images from Venezuelan sources show these individuals reuniting with their families after their release.

In light of the minimal information and the discrepancies surrounding the releases, human rights groups, including the Venezuelan Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, condemned the government’s approach. They are demanding transparency and the immediate release of all political detainees, expressing concern over ongoing repression.

Interestingly, U.S. President Donald Trump commented on these developments, suggesting that Venezuela’s actions indicated a desire for peace. He noted that their release of political prisoners could positively impact cooperation between the two nations, particularly regarding energy infrastructure.

The situation remains fluid, with many families anxiously awaiting news from detention facilities across Venezuela. For now, the hope is that this small gesture will lead to more significant changes in the country’s political landscape.