Kathrine Frich
Venezuela’s political landscape has been shaped by arrests, crackdowns and the jailing of government critics.
Under Nicolás Maduro, opposition politicians and activists were routinely detained, drawing international condemnation and sanctions.
Following Maduro’s removal from power in a US-backed operation led by President Donald Trump, attention has turned to whether the country’s new leadership will change course.
Opposition freed
Two prominent members of Venezuela’s political opposition were released from prison on Thursday, according to the human rights organisation Foro Penal.
Among those freed was Enrique Márquez, 62, a politician who supported opposition candidate Edmundo González in the 2024 presidential election.
He was released alongside Biagio Pilieri, an opposition party leader and lawmaker who had been openly critical of the government.
Relatives of political detainees were seen embracing outside Rodeo I prison in Caracas following the announcement.
Official announcement
Earlier the same day, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez told lawmakers that a “significant number” of prisoners were being released.
He said the decision covered both Venezuelan citizens and foreign nationals.
Rodríguez described the move as a “unilateral peace gesture,” though he did not specify how many people were freed or whether further releases were planned.
No detailed list of names or legal conditions was immediately made public.
Human rights context
Foro Penal has long documented the detention of opposition politicians, activists and protesters in Venezuela, frequently describing many cases as politically motivated.
The group said the releases marked a notable development, while stressing that many other detainees remain behind bars.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Associated Press, WP.
