Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners

Venezuela political prisoners release totaled only 76 individuals since the government announced its new effort on January 8, 2026, following President Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces. The limited Venezuela political prisoners release falls far short of the thousands held according to opposition groups and foreign governments who have long accused Caracas of arbitrary detentions. Foro Penal vice president Gonzalo Homiob tracking Venezuela political prisoners release confirmed the modest number despite government claims of a new political moment allowing understanding from diversity. U.S. officials demanded Venezuela political prisoners release after the raid on Maduro according to sources familiar with Trump administration briefings with key lawmakers earlier this month. The Venezuelan government dismissed international reports about arbitrary detentions as irresponsible, biased, and interventionist despite slow Venezuela political prisoners release progress. Communications Minister Jorge Rodríguez stated Venezuela is in a new political moment requiring respect from divergent perspectives following Venezuela political prisoners release announcement. (120 words)