SITUATION OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN VENEZUELA JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2026
SITUATION OF POLITICAL PRISONERS IN VENEZUELA JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2026
POLITICAL CONTEXT
On January 3, 2026, a political rupture occurred in Venezuela following the capture and extraction of Nicolás Maduro during a United States military operation conducted in Caracas, referred to as “Operation Absolute Resolve.” Since then, the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez has promoted a narrative of reconciliation, announcing large-scale releases of detainees and proposing the adoption of an Amnesty Law. Nevertheless, patterns of repression, institutional mistrust, and judicial opacity continue to persist.
This report summarizes key developments between January 3 and February 24, 2026, based on information collected and verified by our organization, Foro Penal.
CURRENT SITUATION AND VERIFIED DATA
According to our records, as of February 24, 2026, more than 573 individuals classified by our organization as political prisoners remain in detention, despite 436 verified releases from detention since January 8, as well as 109 full releases following the entry into force of the Amnesty Law on February 19, 2026.
Information verified to date indicates that a significant number of individuals released from detention remain subject to restrictions on their liberty or have not had their rights fully restored.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF JANUARY 8 AND SUBSEQUENT RELEASES
On January 8, Jorge Rodríguez, speaking from the National Assembly of Venezuela, announced that a significant group of Venezuelan and foreign nationals would be released from detention. The measure was described as a unilateral gesture by the Bolivarian government aimed at reaffirming its stated commitment to consolidating peace in the country. However, despite these public statements, Foro Penal verified that only 42 individuals were effectively released on January 8, with additional partial releases occurring in the following days.
By January 17, the total number of verified releases had increased to 270, and by the close of this reporting period, 436 releases from detention and 109 full releases had been documented.
While these developments represent some progress, the lack of transparency regarding official release lists and the absence of clear legal criteria governing these processes remain significant concerns.