Venezuelans are anxiously waiting for the release of more political detainees after the interim government promised to free a large number of prisoners jailed under former president Nicolas Maduro. Rights group Foro Penal says about 800 to 900 people are still behind bars for political reasons, even though only a small fraction have been freed so far.
The releases began days after US forces seized Maduro in Caracas and flew him to New York to face drug trafficking charges. US President Donald Trump praised the move as a smart gesture and cancelled a planned second wave of military strikes on Venezuela, saying the country had shown a desire to seek peace.
Interim president Delcy Rodriguez and her brother Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly, announced that a significant number of Venezuelan and foreign prisoners would be freed. However, they have not published an official list or timeline, leaving families to rely on patchy updates and social media videos from outside prisons.
According to Foro Penal, only around nine detainees had been released in the first phase, just over one per cent of those it considers political prisoners. Among those freed were several foreign nationals, including five Spaniards such as activist Rocio San Miguel, who had been accused of plotting to assassinate Maduro.
Relatives and supporters have held night time vigils outside multiple jails, lighting candles and holding photos of loved ones as they wait for news. Activists say the uncertainty is taking a heavy emotional toll, even as they welcome each new release as a small step toward justice.
Officials from the interim government insist that more releases are coming as part of efforts to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence. They argue that freeing prisoners is key to easing tensions after weeks of turmoil and to building a new relationship with the United States and other international partners.
Authorities have also said that Maduro is in US custody and “doing well,” a message apparently aimed at calming his supporters and reducing fears of mistreatment. Analysts note that the handling of his case, and the pace of prisoner releases, will shape how Venezuelans judge the interim leadership in the coming months.
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