In a significant development following the recent U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has begun releasing a considerable number of detainees, which the president of the national assembly described as a measure to “consolidate peace.” Among those liberated is former opposition candidate Enrique Márquez, who expressed relief in a video statement, saying, “It’s all over now.” Alongside him, fellow opposition member Biagio Pilieri was also released.
The Spanish Foreign Ministry confirmed that five Spanish citizens, including Rocío San Miguel—a dual national and human rights lawyer—were among those freed. San Miguel was detained earlier this year on serious charges, including treason and conspiracy relating to an alleged plot against Maduro. Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares characterized this move as “a positive step” for Venezuela, indicating a potential shift towards a new phase in the nation’s political landscape.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado welcomed the releases, asserting that they signify a triumph over “injustice” and a step towards the restoration of truth in the country. She emphasized the importance of this moment, suggesting that it validates the belief that injustice cannot endure indefinitely.
The exact number of individuals liberally remains unconfirmed, but human rights groups estimate there are between 800 and 1,000 political prisoners in Venezuela, most detained in connection with protests following the 2024 elections, widely considered fraudulent. Jorge Rodríguez, the head of the national assembly and brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez, referred to the releases as a “unilateral gesture” aimed at fostering peace and communal harmony.
As word of the planned releases spread, families of detainees congregated outside prisons, anxious for news. Among them was Pedro Durán, who had rushed back from Spain to seek his brother, Franklin, imprisoned since 2021 on charges of attempting to overthrow the government. Durán expressed a mix of hope and trepidation, noting, “We’re feeling a lot of hope … We’re just waiting now.”
Prior to the announcements, there were reports of over 40 foreign nationals held captive in Venezuela, including a number of Americans. Donald Trump recently described Venezuela as having “a torture chamber in the middle of Caracas,” hinting at the notorious Helicoide, a structure infamous for its history as a prison and alleged torture site under the current regime.
Martha Tineo, with the NGO Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón, reported that some areas of El Helicoide were being vacated, indicating a potential positive development in the treatment of political prisoners. Nevertheless, she and other activists remain cautiously optimistic, reminding the public that previous claims of releases had not always materialized as expected.
Though only a small number of releases have been confirmed so far, Tineo holds hope for more in the coming days. “We are urging calm and unity in our hopes and vigilance,” she stated. Alfredo Romero, head of Foro Penal, echoed this sentiment, insisting on the need for unconditional freedom for all political prisoners rather than partial releases.
This significant moment marks a possible turning point in Venezuela’s ongoing political turmoil, offering a glimmer of hope for the many families longing for the return of their loved ones and a future where peace and justice can prevail.