Venezuela's opposition confirmed the release of 22 political prisoners—including opposition leaders, activists, and foreigners—building on initial batches reported earlier this week. Driven by US pressure after Nicolás Maduro's capture, the moves include Spaniards and others, with ongoing hopes for Argentines Nahuel Gallo and Germán Giuliani. Diplomatic negotiations with Washington progress amid calls for broader releases.
Following the January 8 announcement of initial political prisoner releases (see prior coverage), Venezuela's opposition Democratic Unitary Platform confirmed on Saturday the freedom of 22 individuals, including four Spaniards—Andrés Martínez Adasme, José María Basoa, Miguel Moreno Dapena, and Ernesto Gorbe Cardona—plus Biaggio Pillieri, Alejandro Rebolledo, Larry Osorio, Alfredo and Franklin Alvarado, Antonio Gerardo Buzzeta Pacheco, and Yanny González.
Foro Penal verified nine early releases, including dual Spanish-Venezuelan Rocío San Miguel, Enrique Márquez, and activist Virgilio Laverde (linked to María Corina Machado's party). Edmundo González Urrutia criticized the pace, stating 48 hours after the announcement, progress had not reached even 1% of promised excarcerations.
Nahuel Gallo's mother expressed pain over the lack of updates on her son, detained over a year, amid doubts. Foro Penal now estimates 811 political prisoners remaining, including 87 foreigners like Gallo and Germán Giuliani. Amnesty International deemed the releases 'insufficient' and urged an end to repression.
The US canceled further planned actions, crediting the releases, and resumed talks to reopen embassies shuttered since 2019. President Trump said, 'I love the Venezuelan people and am already making Venezuela rich and safe again.' US diplomats visited Caracas, while released Spaniards reached Madrid, prompting King Felipe VI to call for a 'true democratic transition.' Italy welcomed its two citizens' release as a pacification step.
