Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Venezuela Releases Prisoners in Peace Gesture
Venezuela's government said they released over 400 prisoners as a peace gesture.
However, rights groups say only between 60 and 70 people have been freed, with the penitentiary authority reporting 116 releases.
Among those released is journalist Roland Carreno.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that some Americans were freed but did not provide details.
Families and rights groups are criticizing the slow pace and lack of information about the releases.
There are about 800 political prisoners in Venezuela, and the releases come after recent political developments, including the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro and the swearing-in of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.
Venezuela's top lawmaker claims over 400 prisoners released as a peace gesture.
Rights groups report much lower numbers, between 60 and 70 releases, with the penitentiary authority stating 116 people have been freed.
Journalist and politician Roland Carreno among those released.
U.S. State Department confirms some Americans released but does not provide identities.
Criticism focuses on the slow pace of releases and lack of transparency from the government.
- Who
- Venezuela's government, U.S. government, rights groups, and families of detainees
- What
- Discrepancy in the number of prisoners released and the pace of releases
- When
- Announced on January 13, 2024, with ongoing releases
- Where
- Venezuela
- Why
- As a peace gesture following political developments and U.S. cooperation
Government and U.S. Perspective
Rights Groups and Families Perspective
Number of Releases
Government and U.S. Perspective
Over 400 prisoners released as claimed by top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez.
Rights Groups and Families Perspective
Between 60 and 70 releases reported by rights groups, with the penitentiary authority stating 116 people have been freed.
Pace of Releases
Government and U.S. Perspective
Releases are a gesture of peace and a positive step forward.
Rights Groups and Families Perspective
Releases are moving slowly, with only dozens freed out of an estimated 800 political prisoners.
Transparency
Government and U.S. Perspective
Government has announced releases as part of a peace gesture.
Rights Groups and Families Perspective
Criticism focuses on lack of information and no official list of prisoners to be released.
- Number of releases claimed by government
- Over 400
- Number of releases claimed by NGOs
- Between 60 and 70
- Number of releases reported by penitentiary authority
- 116
- Announced by
- Jorge Rodriguez
- Date of announcement
- January 13, 2024
- Notable release
- Journalist and politician Roland Carreno
- Estimated political prisoners in Venezuela
- 800
- U.S. State Department confirmation
- Some Americans released, identities not confirmed
Sources
Venezuela’s top lawmaker says over 400 prisoners freed, NGOs say numbers much lower
Venezuela journalist group says politician Roland Carreno freed in prisoner release
Venezuelan journalist freed in prisoner release as liberations slowly proceed
Venezuelan journalist freed in prisoner release as liberations continue
