Venezuela Releases Political Prisoners Following U.S. Request

Venezuela has released several high-profile political prisoners, including opposition leaders and foreign nationals, in a move described by the government as a gesture to 'seek peace.' The releases come shortly after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on drug-trafficking charges.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the releases occurred at the request of the United States. In an interview, Trump praised the interim government led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, saying, 'They've been great. ... Everything we've wanted, they've given us.'

Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly and brother of the acting president, announced that a 'significant number' of individuals would be freed. However, as of late Thursday, the exact number and identities of those released remained unclear. The Venezuelan government maintains that it does not hold prisoners for political reasons.

Among those released were Biagio Pilieri, an opposition leader associated with María Corina Machado's 2024 presidential campaign, and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral authority and candidate in the 2024 presidential election, according to advocacy group Foro Penal. Additionally, five Spanish citizens, including lawyer and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel, were freed.

Videos posted on social media showed Márquez and Pilieri embracing loved ones outside the prison. One video depicted Márquez beaming during a video call with family members, saying, 'Soon I will be with you all.'

Human rights groups and opposition members cautiously welcomed the releases but expressed skepticism about the government's motives. Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, expressed hope that this marks the beginning of dismantling a repressive system in Venezuela, rather than a mere gesture.

Despite the releases, as of December 29, 2025, Foro Penal reported that 863 individuals remained detained in Venezuela for political reasons. The Venezuelan government denies holding political prisoners, asserting that those detained were involved in plots to destabilize the government.

The Spanish government confirmed the release of five of its citizens, including dual national San Miguel, who had been detained since February 2024 over allegations of plotting to assassinate Maduro, which she denied.

Families of detainees gathered outside prisons across the country, seeking information about their loved ones. Pedro Durán, who awaited news of his brother detained since 2021, expressed hope and anticipation for his release.

Analysts note that the Venezuelan government has a history of releasing political prisoners during moments of high tension to signal openness to dialogue. The recent releases are the first since Maduro's removal from power.

President Trump indicated that the releases were a factor in his decision to cancel a planned second wave of attacks on Venezuela. He also announced plans to meet with major oil executives to discuss investments in Venezuela's oil industry, emphasizing cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuela in rebuilding the sector.