Venezuela announced the release of a “significant number” of prisoners, described by the government as a gesture to “seek peace,” days after reports that former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces. Jorge Rodríguez, speaker of the National Assembly, provided no details on names or numbers, though Spain confirmed five of its citizens were freed. Human rights group Penal Forum says 863 people were detained “for political reasons” as of Dec. 29, 2025, and observers warn the releases could be used as political bargaining chips.
Venezuela Frees a "Significant Number" of Prisoners in Gesture to "Seek Peace"
El Helicoide, top, the headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and detention center, stands in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the government would release a significant number of Venezuelan and foreign prisoners. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela announced it is releasing a “significant number” of both citizens and foreign nationals from its prisons, a move the head of the country’s legislature described Thursday as a gesture meant to “seek peace.” The announcement follows reports that former President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces and faces federal drug‑trafficking charges in New York.
Jorge Rodríguez, speaker of the National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, did not provide a list of names or a total number of detainees to be freed, saying only that the releases “are happening right now.”
The Spanish government said Thursday that five Spanish citizens detained in Caracas have been released and that Spain’s embassy in Caracas is coordinating their return; no departure date has been announced.
The Penal Forum, a Venezuelan human rights organization, reported that as of Dec. 29, 2025, some 863 people remained detained “for political reasons.” Alfredo Romero, the forum’s director, posted on X that the announced liberations are “good news” for a country shaken by recent political unrest and said his organization will verify each release.
Police guard El Helicoide, the headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and detention center, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the government would release Venezuelan and foreign prisoners. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“We will be verifying each release,” Romero wrote, adding that some people, including foreigners, are already on their way to freedom.
The release of opposition figures and government critics has been a long‑standing demand of Venezuela’s opposition and the U.S. government. Venezuelan authorities insist they do not hold political prisoners, arguing those detained were involved in plots to destabilize the government.
Analysts say the timing of the releases will be closely watched. Ronal Rodríguez, a researcher at the Venezuelan Observatory at the University of Rosario in Bogotá, said Caracas has periodically freed detainees at politically strategic moments and that the regime can use prisoners as bargaining chips. Observers will look to see whether high‑profile figures are included or whether releases come with restrictions such as house arrest.
There was little visible movement outside one of Venezuela’s most notable prisons, where many detainees are held.
Separately, the U.S. administration this week moved to assert control over Venezuelan oil by seizing two sanctioned tankers and announcing plans to ease certain sanctions so the U.S. can oversee the global sale of some Venezuelan crude. Those actions follow statements by U.S. President Donald Trump after Maduro’s reported capture that the U.S. would shape Venezuela’s next steps.
Janetsky reported from Mexico City.
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