Venezuela releases 116 political prisoners under pressure from Trump
The Venezuelan government, led by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced the release of 116 political prisoners on Monday, a move seen as a direct response to escalating pressure from US President Donald Trump. These rapid developments follow a dramatic shift in the Venezuelan political landscape, marked by the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, which has ushered the country into a new phase of political and security arrangements.
Despite the government's attempts to portray the releases as "pre-arranged" procedures within a judicial review process, observers and political analysts closely link this move to the warnings issued by Trump, who declared that Venezuela was now "in his hands." This appears to be the first tangible concession offered by the interim authority in Caracas to the US administration to ensure a degree of stability during this critical period.
Release details and conflicting figures
The Ministry of Prisons issued an official statement confirming that those granted amnesty were individuals deprived of their liberty for acts related to “disrupting the constitutional order and undermining national stability.” The ministry indicated that this process is a continuation of a path initiated by Maduro before his arrest and currently being pursued by Rodríguez within the framework of a declared policy focused on “justice, dialogue, and the preservation of peace.”.
In contrast, human rights organizations questioned the accuracy of the government figures. The NGO Foro Penal, which monitors cases of political detention, reported that it had verified the release of only 24 prisoners, including two Italian citizens. Meanwhile, another tally by AFP, based on opposition sources, indicated that around 50 people had been released since last Thursday, leaving a significant gap between the official account and the reality on the ground.
Historical context and political dimensions
To understand the depth of this event, one must consider the historical background of the crisis in Venezuela. For years, the government has used the issue of political prisoners as a bargaining chip in its negotiations with the West and the domestic opposition. Human rights organizations estimate the number of these prisoners to be between 800 and 1,200, held in harsh conditions in prisons such as Rodeo 1 and El Helicoide.
This event is of exceptional importance as it comes amid a power vacuum and direct US influence over political decision-making in Caracas following Maduro's arrest. This release is expected to have broad regional and international repercussions, as it is seen as a test of the interim government's commitment to international human rights standards, which Washington insists are a prerequisite for any future arrangements.
International reactions and the suffering of the people
Internationally, Italy was quick to welcome the move, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praising the release of her citizens Alberto Trentini and Mario Borlo, describing the cooperation with Venezuelan authorities as "constructive." This welcome reflects a European desire to see a breakthrough in the complex Venezuelan human rights situation.
Locally, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Dozens of families continue their sit-in outside Rodeo 1 prison, awaiting news of their loved ones. Despite government promises, frustration has prevailed after some released prisoners were transferred through secret exits to Caracas without their families being allowed to see them, reflecting the persistent distrust between the public and the authorities, even during moments of political détente.
