Event Summary
On 8 January 2026, the President of the National Assembly stated to national media that, as a gesture toward unity and peaceful coexistence, the government had decided to release a significant number of detained individuals (both Venezuelan nationals and foreign citizens), without specifying the exact number or identifying the beneficiaries.
Following this announcement, some releases were carried out; however, the numbers have been very low and the process has been extremely slow. This situation has caused anguish among family members, who have held vigils and demonstrations at various detention centers across the country and in other locations.
Another key point to highlight is that these measures constitute releases from detention, not full freedom. Those released continue to be subject to precautionary measures that restrict their liberty, or to criminal proceedings that remain unresolved.
Among the individuals who benefited from these measures are human rights defender Rocío San Miguel, who had been arbitrarily detained since February 2024; political leader and former presidential candidate Enrique Márquez; politician Nicmer Evans; and journalist Roland Carreño, among other notable cases.
The case of human rights defender Rocío San Miguel illustrates the conditions under which these measures are granted. She remains subject to precautionary measures that prohibit her from making public statements about her case, a fact confirmed by her family members. This confirms that these actions constitute releases from detention rather than full freedom. After leaving the detention center, Rocío San Miguel relocated to Spain, along with other Spanish nationals who were in a similar situation.
On 12 January 2026, the Ministry of Penitentiary Affairs issued a statement reporting the release of 116 individuals since January 8. These figures contrast with those reported by human rights organizations in the country. In this regard, civil society estimates indicate that approximately 72 people have been released from detention as of 14 January 2026.
These events have taken place following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro through a U.S. military action and, according to statements made by government spokespersons themselves, are presented as a demonstration of willingness toward national reconciliation. However, these releases from detention do not amount to full freedom for those affected.
For its part, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela issued a statement welcoming the measures adopted, while emphasizing that they are insufficient. The Mission called for the full release of detainees and for steps to be taken to ensure that releases are carried out swiftly and in accordance with human rights principles.