Venezuela has started releasing multiple Americans detained across the country, according to a U.S. state department official. The official did not confirm the identities or number of prisoners released, but in a statement called the move an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities. It is the first known release of American citizens since a U.S. military operation seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a raid in the capital Caracas on 3 January, to face drug trafficking charges in New York.
The UN reports that Venezuela has thus far released about 50 prisoners, although human rights groups estimate around 800 political prisoners remain. The Venezuelan government, led by Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced last week it would start releasing a significant number of political prisoners as a goodwill gesture. Some domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish citizens are among those confirmed to have been freed.
Over the weekend, Donald Trump mentioned on his Truth Social account that the process of freeing detainees in Venezuela had begun in a BIG WAY and stated he cancelled a wave of airstrikes when he learned the government was cooperating in releasing prisoners.
This development is seen as a test of Trump's influence in Venezuela following Maduro's removal, but criticisms from both human rights advocates and detainee families suggest the interim government is not fully honoring its pledge to release all political prisoners. Ramón Guanipa, whose father is a politician still imprisoned, advised caution to Trump regarding the authorities' commitments until all political prisoners are freed. Human rights organizations accuse the Venezuelan government of using detentions as a means to silence dissent, with many arrests occurring after the 2024 presidential election where Maduro's victory is heavily disputed.
The UN reports that Venezuela has thus far released about 50 prisoners, although human rights groups estimate around 800 political prisoners remain. The Venezuelan government, led by Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced last week it would start releasing a significant number of political prisoners as a goodwill gesture. Some domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish citizens are among those confirmed to have been freed.
Over the weekend, Donald Trump mentioned on his Truth Social account that the process of freeing detainees in Venezuela had begun in a BIG WAY and stated he cancelled a wave of airstrikes when he learned the government was cooperating in releasing prisoners.
This development is seen as a test of Trump's influence in Venezuela following Maduro's removal, but criticisms from both human rights advocates and detainee families suggest the interim government is not fully honoring its pledge to release all political prisoners. Ramón Guanipa, whose father is a politician still imprisoned, advised caution to Trump regarding the authorities' commitments until all political prisoners are freed. Human rights organizations accuse the Venezuelan government of using detentions as a means to silence dissent, with many arrests occurring after the 2024 presidential election where Maduro's victory is heavily disputed.
