Venezuela Frees Hundreds of Political Detainees After U.S. Capture of Maduro
Updated (2 articles)
Release announced on state television following U.S. operation On 9 January 2026 the Venezuelan government broadcast that a “significant number” of political prisoners would be freed immediately after U.S. forces captured former President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas [1][2]. National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez delivered the announcement but gave no exact count or identities. The gesture was framed as a step toward national unity and peace.
Five Spanish citizens, including Rocío San Miguel, released Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed the liberation of five Spanish nationals, among them human‑rights lawyer Rocío San Miguel, who had been detained since 2024 on treason‑related charges [1][2]. The detainees were escorted to the Spanish embassy in Caracas before being repatriated. Both outlets highlighted this as the most visible component of the release.
Families gather outside El Helicoide and Rodeo I prisons Relatives waited for hours outside the notorious El Helicoide facility in Caracas and the Rodeo I detention center in Guatire, some chanting “Libertad” as released detainees emerged and embraced loved ones [1][2]. Video footage captured the emotional reunions, though officials still withheld a full roster of those freed.
President Trump praises releases as strategic gesture Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the releases were a “very important and smart gesture” and later told Fox News they occurred at the United States’ request, linking the move to a broader peace signal and claiming it averted further attacks [1][2]. His comments framed the action as a diplomatic success for his administration.
Human‑rights groups welcome gesture but demand transparency Venezuelan NGOs and international observers, including Foro Penal, welcomed the releases but warned they might represent only a limited show of mercy, noting that hundreds of political detainees remained incarcerated as of late 2025 [1][2]. They called for a clear, verifiable process for additional releases.
Sources
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1.
BBC: Venezuela begins releasing political prisoners amid US pressure: Details the state‑televised announcement, Spain’s confirmation of five nationals including Rocío San Miguel, the U.S. seizure of Maduro, Trump’s praise, and cautious optimism from rights groups.
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2.
AP: Venezuela releases high-profile prisoners after Maduro capture: Describes the release of opposition figures and journalists, families gathering at El Helicoide and Rodeo I, Trump’s claim the releases were at U.S. request, and human‑rights groups’ call for clarity on the scale of the action.
Timeline
Late 2025 – Human‑rights organization Foro Penal documents that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained in facilities such as El Helicoide and Rodeo I, highlighting the scale of repression that fuels international pressure [2].
Early Jan 2026 – United States forces seize former President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and transport him to New York to face drug‑trafficking charges, a move that escalates diplomatic tension and prompts calls for concessions [1][2].
Jan 8, 2026 – The interim Venezuelan government announces on state television that a “significant number” of political detainees will be freed immediately, presenting the step as a goodwill gesture toward national unity, though it provides no exact figures [1][2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Spain’s foreign ministry confirms the release of five Spanish nationals, including prominent rights activist Rocío San Miguel, who is escorted to the Spanish embassy in Caracas after her 2024 arrest on treason‑related charges [1][2].
Jan 8, 2026 – President Donald Trump posts on Truth Social that the releases are a “very important and smart gesture” that signals “seeking peace,” adding that he has cancelled a “previously expected second wave of attacks” on Venezuela [1].
Jan 8, 2026 – In a Fox News interview, Trump states the releases occurred “at the United States’ request” and praises acting President Delcy Rodríguez for delivering “what they’ve given us,” framing the action as a diplomatic win [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Video footage shows freed detainees embracing relatives outside El Helicoide in Caracas and Rodeo I in Guatire, while crowds chant “Libertad” as families wait for confirmation of loved ones’ status [2].
Jan 8, 2026 – Opposition leader María Corina Machado presses for additional releases, and Venezuelan human‑rights groups welcome the move cautiously, warning that it may represent a limited show of mercy rather than a broader systematic process [1][2].