Venezuela has started releasing multiple Americans detained across the country, according to a US state department official. The official did not confirm the identities or number of prisoners released by Venezuela but described the move as an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.
This is the first known release of American citizens since a US military operation seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a raid in Caracas on January 3, intended to face drug trafficking charges in New York.
As reported by the UN, Venezuela has released about 50 prisoners out of an estimated 800 political detainees, as claimed by human rights groups.
The Venezuelan government, under Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced last week it would begin releasing a significant number of people categorized as political prisoners as a goodwill gesture. Confirmed releases so far include some domestic opposition figures and at least five Spanish citizens.
Over the weekend, former President Donald Trump mentioned on his Truth Social account that the process of freeing detainees in Venezuela had commenced in a BIG WAY, asserting he had canceled further airstrikes when he learnt of Caracas's cooperation.
These developments are viewed as a test of Trump's influence in Venezuela, following Maduro's removal. However, the interim government faces criticisms for not fully adhering to their promise regarding political detainees. Ramón Guanipa, whose father is a politician still imprisoned, warned that Trump should be cautious of the Venezuelan authorities' gestures until all political prisoners are released.
Human rights organizations and activists claim the government has utilized detentions as a means to suppress dissent. Officials have consistently denied the existence of political prisoners, asserting that detainees were arrested for criminal offenses.
Many of these individuals were detained after the disputed 2024 presidential election, where Maduro claimed victory amid controversy.
