Interim president Delcy Rodríguez has begun releasing people detained under Nicolás Maduro as part of a diplomatic gesture toward the United States, but rights groups say only about 20 detainees have been freed so far from an estimated 800–1,200 political prisoners. Maduro and his wife were detained on January 3 and are in U.S. custody facing drug‑trafficking and weapons charges; Maduro has said he is "doing well." The limited releases have prompted family vigils and outrage after a detainee reportedly died in state custody, while international pressure mounts over Venezuela's oil ties and relations with Cuba.
Venezuela Frees Few Political Prisoners as Ousted Leader Maduro, Held in U.S., Says He’s ‘Doing Well’
Venezuelans are waiting for more political prisoners to be released, as ousted leader Nicolas Maduro (L) remains in a New York jail after a capture operation ordered by US President Donald Trump (Federico PARRA)(Federico PARRA/AFP/AFP)
Venezuelans spent Sunday awaiting the release of more political prisoners after the interim government said it had begun freeing detainees held under Nicolás Maduro’s administration. The move — framed by interim president Delcy Rodríguez as a gesture of openness and cooperation with the United States — has so far resulted in only a small number of releases, according to rights groups and opposition figures.
Authorities announced they would free a “large” group of detainees, but human rights organizations say roughly 20 people have been released to date, including several well-known opposition figures. Rights monitors estimate that between 800 and 1,200 political prisoners remain incarcerated across Venezuela.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were detained in a dramatic January 3 raid and taken to New York to face drug-trafficking and weapons charges; both have pleaded not guilty. While in U.S. custody, Maduro reportedly told supporters he was "doing well," a claim his son Nicolás Maduro Guerra shared in a video released by the party on Saturday.
Anxiety Over Prisoners
The state prosecution service confirmed that a detained police officer accused of "treason" died in custody after suffering a stroke and heart attack. Opposition groups identified the man as Edison José Torres Fernández, 52, and said he had circulated messages critical of Maduro's government. Justice First, part of the Venezuelan opposition alliance, publicly blamed the interim authorities led by Delcy Rodríguez for the death.
Families staged candlelight vigils on Saturday outside El Rodeo prison, east of Caracas, and El Helicoide, the notorious intelligence-run detention center, carrying signs with the names of imprisoned relatives. Among those still detained is Freddy Superlano, an ally of opposition leader María Corina Machado, jailed after disputing Maduro's contested 2024 re-election. Superlano’s wife, Aurora Silva, told reporters, "He is alive — that was what I was most afraid about. He is standing strong and I am sure he is going to come out soon."
Political Pressure And International Moves
Interim authorities have stressed that Venezuela will seek a "diplomatic route" with Washington. Former U.S. president Donald Trump asserted the United States was "in charge" of the country and publicly thanked Washington for prompting the release process. In a Truth Social post he wrote: "Venezuela has started the process, in a BIG WAY, of releasing their political prisoners. Thank you!" He later urged beneficiaries to remember "how lucky they got that the USA came along and did what had to be done."
Trump also pressed top oil executives at the White House to consider investing in Venezuelan oil, though industry representatives were cautious given years of mismanagement and sanctions that have weakened the country's energy infrastructure. U.S. envoys reportedly visited Caracas to discuss reopening the U.S. embassy.
Pressure On Cuba
Trump applied additional pressure on Cuba — a key ally of the Maduro government that has relied on subsidized Venezuelan oil — urging Havana to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences. He warned that oil shipments and financial flows from Venezuela to Cuba could stop with Maduro's removal. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded on X that Cuba was "ready to defend the homeland to the last drop of blood," adding, "No one tells us what to do."
Venezuela's government called for "political and diplomatic dialogue" between Washington and Havana, urging adherence to international-law principles such as non-interference and sovereign equality of states.
Supporters of Maduro rallied in Caracas on Saturday, but turnout was markedly lower than in previous demonstrations and many senior figures from his government were absent, reflecting uncertainty within his base as the political standoff continues.
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