Venezuela's government has announced plans to release 300 individuals from custody this week, including some who have been detained for years on politically motivated grounds. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez made the announcement during a session at the legislative palace in Caracas on Tuesday, though he did not explicitly label those set for release as political prisoners. Human rights defenders, however, have classified the detentions of several individuals mentioned by Rodríguez as politically driven.
No Conditions Attached
Rodríguez emphasized that the government is not seeking any concessions in return for the releases. "We are not asking anything of anyone, nor are we asking for anything in return," he stated. "We simply ask that you appreciate the gesture, and if at any point you become aware of any opposition member who has committed a crime against public funds, please report it, and we will assist you in filing the complaint."
Scrutiny Over In-Custody Death
The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, sister of Jorge Rodríguez, following the death of political prisoner Víctor Hugo Quero while in custody last year. Quero's elderly mother, Carmen Navas, passed away on Sunday, just 10 days after the government confirmed her son's death. Navas, 82, had been tirelessly searching for Quero, who was detained in January 2025, visiting detention centers, courthouses, and government agencies demanding proof of life. The government withheld information about his death for over 10 months.
According to a government statement, Quero, a 51-year-old salesperson, died of "acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism" 10 days after being hospitalized for a gastrointestinal issue. The statement claimed relatives were not notified because Quero failed to provide contact information. Navas was laid to rest on Tuesday in Caracas. The day before, dozens of university students protested in her memory, blaming the government for both deaths.
Political Detainees in Venezuela
The Venezuelan prisoners' rights group Foro Penal estimates that over 400 people are currently detained for political reasons in the South American country. Tuesday's announcement mirrors a similar pledge made shortly after the U.S. military operation on January 3 that captured then-President Nicolás Maduro. At that time, Jorge Rodríguez described the planned releases as an effort "intended to seek peace," without specifying with whom.
The initial releases drew praise from U.S. President Donald Trump, even as relatives of remaining detainees and human rights watchdogs criticized the selective and slow pace of the process. Last week, Trump told reporters he would secure the release of all political prisoners, stating, "We are going to get them all out."
