Building on the release of five Spanish nationals earlier today, Venezuela announced the freedom of two opposition leaders and other political prisoners as a peace gesture after Nicolás Maduro's US capture. Hopes rise for Argentine detainees Nahuel Gallo and Germán Giuliani, with the White House crediting President Trump's influence.
On January 8, 2026, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, brother of interim leader Delcy Rodríguez, announced the release of a 'significant number' of political prisoners—including Venezuelans and foreigners—to promote 'national unity and peace.' This follows the US capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, now detained in New York.
Newly freed are opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri, allies of María Corina Machado. The announcement builds on the earlier liberation of five Spanish citizens, including human rights defender Rocío San Miguel (see prior coverage for details), confirmed by Spain's Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares.
Foro Penal, tracking 863 political prisoners as of late December 2025 (86 with foreign/dual nationality), verified the process. Director Alfredo Romero noted ongoing releases.
In Argentina, optimism surrounds gendarme Nahuel Gallo, detained over a year; his wife María Alexandra Gómez said, 'We are hopeful, we don't lose faith.' Senator Patricia Bullrich hailed the news and called for Gallo and Germán Giuliani's return: 'That they start releasing political prisoners is great news. We want them back home.'
White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly linked the move to Trump: 'This is an example of how the president is using his influence... for the American and Venezuelan people.' The releases occur during a US-overseen transition, amid uncertainties for figures like Diosdado Cabello and Vladimir Padrino López.
