Politics

The Venezuelan government has started to free people classified as political prisoners by human rights organizations, which officials have called a gesture of goodwill. Spain’s foreign ministry reported that five of its citizens, including one who holds dual nationality, have been released. One of those released is believed to be human rights advocate Rocio San Miguel. This action follows the recent capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro by the US in a swift operation in the capital, Caracas, on Saturday, where he faces drug trafficking allegations in New York. The US has long demanded the release of political prisoners in Venezuela, especially during times of increased government repression around elections or protests. Jorge Rodriguez, the leader of Venezuela’s National Assembly and the brother of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, announced on state television that “a significant number” of prisoners would be set free right away, although he did not provide specific details about how many or who they are. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuelan jails, with only a few confirmed to have been released thus far. Jorge Rodriguez stated that the interim government is making this move for the sake of “national unity and peaceful coexistence.” Rocio San Miguel, an expert in security and defense as well as Venezuela’s military, is the first confirmed prisoner to be released. She was detained at Maiquetia airport, close to Caracas, in February 2024. At that time, it was claimed that San Miguel, a strong critic of Maduro, was part of a conspiracy to assassinate the then-president and faced serious charges including treason, conspiracy, and terrorism.