Post-Maduro Transition: 104 Political Prisoners Released in Venezuela Amid Persistent U.S. Pressure

At least 104 political prisoners were released in Venezuela this past Sunday, according to the rights group Foro Penal. This wave of releases follows the historic U.S. military operation on January 3rd that resulted in the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are currently awaiting trial in New York on drug trafficking charges.

Alfredo Romero, head of Foro Penal, confirmed that the total number of freed prisoners since the U.S. intervention has reached 240. While the Trump administration had long demanded these releases, human rights advocates emphasize that approximately 800 political prisoners—many detained during the 2024 post-election protests—remain in custody. Rights groups are now calling for official lists to be published to verify the status of those still behind bars during this volatile transition.