In a move that has sparked both optimism and skepticism, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez has claimed that the regime’s release of political prisoners sends a “very clear message” of the country’s “opening up to a new political moment.” However, human rights groups warn that repression continues, and the true scale of prisoner releases remains unclear.
Rodríguez, who was previously vice-president under the ousted Nicolás Maduro, stated that dissent would only be allowed “with respect for human rights,” and that “messages of hatred, intolerance and acts of violence will not be permitted.” She also accused non-governmental organisations (NGOs) of “lying to the world and trying to sell falsehoods about Venezuela.”
The regime’s claims of releasing over 400 political prisoners have been met with caution by monitoring groups. While some releases have been independently verified, NGOs estimate that close to 1,000 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela. Charges also remain in place against many of those who have been freed, and they are barred from making public statements.
This cautious approach to prisoner releases comes amid ongoing chaos and a lack of clear command structure following the unprecedented US ground attack that led to Maduro’s capture. Local media reported that 15 teenagers were briefly detained for “celebrating” Maduro’s downfall, highlighting the regime’s continued crackdown on dissent.
Zair Mundaray, a former senior Venezuelan prosecutor, described the situation as one where the regime is “seeking to project a very civic image, releasing some people, while others are being jailed at the same time.”
The US State Department welcomed the release of detained American citizens, but the exact number remains unclear. In a social media post, former President Trump suggested that the prisoners should be grateful to the US for “doing what had to be done.”
As the fragile transition unfolds, the international community will be closely watching whether the regime’s actions match its rhetoric of openness and respect for human rights. Analysts warn that the administrative chaos and lack of clear leadership could lead to further crackdowns, underscoring the need for transparent and accountable reforms.
