US EditionNumber of prisoners released in Venezuela rises to 18, rights groups say
The Venezuelan government released 18 political prisoners as part of diplomatic talks with the U.S., while human rights groups estimate up to 1,200 remain detained.
- On January 10, 2026 human rights groups said prisoner releases rose to 18, up from nine on Friday, as families sheltered outside El Rodeo jail, Miranda state, Venezuela.
- Human rights groups and opposition figures have long demanded the release of hundreds of political prisoners, with Foro Penal estimating 811 detainees, including more than 80 foreign detainees, two from the United States and one with American residency.
- Five Spanish citizens, including Venezuelan Spanish rights activist Rocio San Miguel, were the first confirmed releases on Thursday and arrived in Madrid the following day, with Enrique Marquez, former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate, also freed.
- An emergency order from the White House said Donald Trump, U.S. President, and Jorge Rodriguez, Venezuela's top lawmaker, called the releases a gesture of peace, while Trump blocked seizures of oil revenue in US Treasury accounts to support `peace, prosperity and stability`.
- The releases cap a week of political turmoil that included a U.S. attack on Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro's capture and arraignment, Jorge Rodriguez's swearing-in, and a U.S. plan to sell 50 million barrels of crude.
178 Articles
178 Articles
Families demand proof of life as Venezuela releases only dozens of political prisoners. Here’s what we know so far
Venezuela’s promise last week to release “a significant number” of political prisoners is progressing far slower than many had hoped, as hundreds of families continue to wait in agony for their loved ones to be freed.
Since the government of the president in charge of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, announced the release of “a significant number” of political prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign, hundreds of families remain waiting for a process that is moving slowly.
Venezuela Says 116 Political Prisoners Were Freed—Rights Groups Can Verify Far Fewer
Key Points Caracas says 116 detainees were granted release measures; Foro Penal has verified 41 releases so far. The freed include Italians and Spaniards, turning a domestic crackdown into a diplomatic file. After a death in custody, families want names, timelines, and freedom without restrictive conditions. In Venezuela, liberation often starts as a number. Families […]
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