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Venezuela
VENEZUELA ------------------------------------2096NEWS STORY

Venezuela frees U.S. citizens after Maduro’s arrest

Releases Raise Expectations and Diplomatic Doubts

Venezuela has begun releasing several U.S. citizens who were detained in the country’s prisons, according to the U.S. Department of State, in a significant development occurring amid a mass prisoner release process following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. (wdtv.com)

U.S. officials said several Americans were freed this week, although they did not specify the exact number or their identities. At least four were released on Tuesday, and one additional person the day before, in what was described as “an important step in the right direction” by Venezuelan authorities. (wdtv.com)

The release coincides with a broad prisoner release policy announced by the Venezuelan leadership following Maduro’s capture. The president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez, stated that a “significant number” of prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign, would be released as a gesture toward peace. However, official figures are controversial: while the government claims more than 400 people have been freed, human rights organizations estimate much lower numbers, with only a few dozen confirmed releases so far. (reuters.com)

Besides Americans, other countries have also seen their citizens released. For instance, Spain confirmed the release of five of its nationals, including activists and civil society figures, in the first phase of the January 2026 releases. (lemonde.fr)

Despite these releases, organizations such as Foro Penal and Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón report that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated, even after recent releases, highlighting the lack of transparency regarding the names and conditions of those freed. Families of detainees maintain protests and vigils outside different penitentiary centers, demanding the complete release of their loved ones. (semana.com)

The context of these releases is complex. The liberations began just days after U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro, generating diplomatic tensions and a reshuffling of Venezuelan domestic policy. The gesture toward releasing foreign detainees has been interpreted by Washington as a sign of cooperation, though doubts remain as to whether these actions reflect lasting changes in the country’s human rights situation. (wdtv.com)

Meanwhile, activists and families warn that, despite the releases, arbitrary detentions and repression continue, and many of those freed still face legal restrictions or are subject to new charges. This mix of progress and uncertainty reflects a political and social landscape in Venezuela that remains in flux following the change of power. (lemonde.fr)

By Heydi Bernal for Ruta Pantera on 1/14/2026 7:09:19 AM

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News Photo
VENEZUELA -------------------------------- NEWS STORY
Venezuela frees U.S. citizens after Maduro’s arrest

Releases Raise Expectations and Diplomatic Doubts

Venezuela has begun releasing several U.S. citizens who were detained in the country’s prisons, according to the U.S. Department of State, in a signifi... [read more.]



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HEMISPHERE -------------------------------- NEWS STORY
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HEMISPHERE -------------------------------- NEWS STORY
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WORLD -------------ID:2091------------- TRENDING
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COLOMBIA -------------------------------- TRIP IDEAS
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Flecho in Bahía Solano

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BRAZIL ----------------------------- CULTURAL EVENT
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