Venezuela Frees Political Prisoners After Maduro’s Capture, Govt Vows to ‘Rescue’ Him

Caracas | January 11, 2026 Venezuelan authorities have begun releasing political prisoners amid ongoing political upheaval following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this month. At least seven detainees, including Virgilio Laverde, youth coordinator for opposition leader María Corina Machado’s Vente Venezuela party, were freed on Saturday, human rights group Foro Penal confirmed. The release of political prisoners has been a key demand of the opposition and international observers since Maduro’s arrest on January 3. Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, had announced that a “significant number” of prisoners would be released as a gesture of peace, and roughly two dozen have been freed so far. Foro Penal estimates that more than 800 political prisoners remain in custody across the country. Among those freed in earlier rounds were former lawmaker Biagio Pilieri, ex-opposition presidential candidate Enrique Márquez, and several Spanish nationals, highlighting both domestic and international dimensions of the detentions. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the releases, framing them as a positive outcome of recent cooperation following the U.S. military intervention. Despite these developments, Venezuela’s interim leadership, including acting President Delcy Rodríguez, has reiterated its commitment to bringing Maduro back. She declared that the government will continue efforts until “President Maduro is returned,” even as prisoner releases continue. Meanwhile, families of detainees have gathered in hopes of further freedom, and international dynamics around Venezuela’s political future remain in flux. Venezuela Frees Opposition Political Prisoners as Tensions Rise Over U.S. Capture of President Maduro Venezuelan authorities released several political prisoners on Saturday, including Virgilio Laverde, youth coordinator of opposition leader María Corina Machado’s Vente Venezuela party, days after U.S. forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. Human rights group Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least seven detainees, marking a step in easing political tensions in the country. The move comes as opposition groups and international observers had demanded the release of political prisoners following Maduro’s arrest on January 3. Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, had earlier stated that a “significant number” of prisoners would be freed as a gesture of peace. So far, roughly two dozen prisoners have been released, though more than 800 remain in custody, according to Foro Penal. Among those released in earlier rounds were former lawmaker Biagio Pilieri, ex-opposition vice president Enrique Márquez, and five Spanish nationals. U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the releases on social media, highlighting them as a result of recent cooperation following U.S. involvement in Venezuela. Despite the releases, acting President Delcy Rodríguez reiterated that the government will continue efforts to bring back Maduro, saying, “We will not rest until President Maduro is returned.” Families of prisoners have held vigils outside prisons, while international pressure and diplomatic efforts continue to shape the country’s political future.