The Venezuelan government has started releasing detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture. Spain's foreign ministry stated that five of its nationals had been released, including prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist, Rocío San Miguel, whose family confirmed her release to US media.
This action follows the US seizing Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on the capital, Caracas, on drug trafficking charges. US President Donald Trump described the release as a very important and smart gesture from Venezuela, emphasizing it as a sign of the country's intent to seek peace.
Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, indicated that a significant number of prisoners would be released immediately, although he did not specify how many or who would be freed. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuelan facilities, and while only a few have been released thus far, the move is viewed as a step towards national unification and peaceful coexistence.
Rocío San Miguel was known for being a vocal critic of the government, arrested in 2024 under accusations including involvement in a plot against Maduro. Her unexpected arrest was condemned by human rights activists and sparked concerns over enforced disappearance.
Although the initial reaction to the current releases has been cautious, ongoing scrutiny remains on the situations of hundreds still detained across the nation, particularly in notorious facilities like El Helicoide. The prison, known for human rights abuses, may soon close, as mentioned by President Trump, suggesting potential changes in Venezuela's approach to political dissent and international relations.
This action follows the US seizing Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on the capital, Caracas, on drug trafficking charges. US President Donald Trump described the release as a very important and smart gesture from Venezuela, emphasizing it as a sign of the country's intent to seek peace.
Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly, indicated that a significant number of prisoners would be released immediately, although he did not specify how many or who would be freed. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuelan facilities, and while only a few have been released thus far, the move is viewed as a step towards national unification and peaceful coexistence.
Rocío San Miguel was known for being a vocal critic of the government, arrested in 2024 under accusations including involvement in a plot against Maduro. Her unexpected arrest was condemned by human rights activists and sparked concerns over enforced disappearance.
Although the initial reaction to the current releases has been cautious, ongoing scrutiny remains on the situations of hundreds still detained across the nation, particularly in notorious facilities like El Helicoide. The prison, known for human rights abuses, may soon close, as mentioned by President Trump, suggesting potential changes in Venezuela's approach to political dissent and international relations.
