Caracas, Venezuela – The Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal reported that it has verified the release of 139 political prisoners since January 8. This comes amid dramatic changes in the country following the recent US military intervention.
Is this a gesture of coexistence or military pressure?
Accounts differ regarding the reasons for this sudden breakthrough in the detainees’ case:
The official narrative: The Venezuelan government presents the measure as a “gesture of peaceful coexistence” and to calm the internal situation.
The US position: Washington insists that these releases are a direct result of the raids carried out by US forces on January 3. Those raids were aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro.
For his part, US President Donald Trump commented via his platform “Truth Social” saying: “Venezuela has begun, amazingly, to release its political prisoners… Thank you.”
Hope sit-ins in front of “El Helicoid”
Despite the release of this number, anticipation remains high. Hundreds of relatives continue their vigils day and night outside notorious prisons such as El Helicoid, run by the intelligence services, and El Rodeo 1, east of Caracas. News agency correspondents have witnessed poignant scenes of families lighting candles and holding signs bearing the names of their loved ones. They await the release of their relatives from detention centers where approximately 18 political prisoners have died since 2014.
Background to the crisis and arrests
It is worth noting that the major wave of arrests erupted following the controversial 2024 elections. At that time, approximately 2,400 people were detained. While official figures confirm the release of over 2,000 of them in previous periods, the case of the last 139 remains the most significant, as it comes within the context of direct international and military pressure.
