Venezuelan authorities announced the release of a "large number" of prisoners, including opposition members and foreigners

On January 8, the Venezuelan government made a statement about the release of a significant number of prisoners, including both opposition leaders and foreign citizens. Specific numbers and names have not yet been disclosed; however, there are approximately 800 political prisoners in the country, according to information provided by the media.
According to the dpa agency, among those released were five Spanish citizens, which was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain. Among the Venezuelan politicians who are reportedly set to be freed are opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa and human rights activist Rocío San Miguel. The possibility of releasing Enrique Márquez, Rafael Tudela, and Edmundo González Urrutia's son-in-law, who, according to the opposition and international observers, won the last elections against Nicolás Maduro, is also being discussed.
The situation with political prisoners in the country

The organization Foro Penal reports that more than 800 political prisoners are held in Venezuelan jails. Most of them were detained during protests against the re-election of the current president Nicolás Maduro in 2024. International organizations and human rights defenders accuse the Venezuelan authorities of serious human rights violations.
Human rights defender Marta Tineo reported that prisoners are being released from the "Helicoid" prison, known for its brutal conditions and torture of regime opponents.
Opposition's reaction to the release of prisoners