Ask Onix
Pressure grows for release of Venezuela's political detainees
Human rights advocates are intensifying demands for Venezuela's interim government to free hundreds of political prisoners still held after Nicolás Maduro's removal last month. While 444 detainees have been released, activists warn delays and restrictions persist.
Progress and setbacks
Foro Penal, a group monitoring political detentions, confirmed 444 releases since U.S. forces detained Maduro on 3 January. However, the organization's records show hundreds more remain imprisoned. The Trump administration has urged Venezuelan officials to accelerate releases, but critics say the process lacks transparency.
Health crisis among protesters
Relatives of prisoners have launched hunger strikes to demand action, with activists reporting deteriorating health among participants. Opposition party Vente Venezuela shared footage of an unconscious protester being treated outside Caracas's Zona 7 detention center, where 10 people began a hunger strike on Saturday.
The vigil outside the facility began on 8 January, after National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez pledged a "significant number" of releases as a "goodwill gesture" to promote peace under the interim government.
Opposition denounces restrictions
While the Trump administration praised Venezuela's interim leadership for progress, opposition figures argue freed prisoners face severe limitations. Released detainees are reportedly barred from public statements, and some have been rearrested.
Opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa was freed on 8 February after eight months in detention but was detained again hours later for allegedly violating release conditions. He is now under house arrest.
Amnesty bill stalls amid debate
Venezuela's interim government, led by former Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, proposed an amnesty bill following Maduro's removal. The legislation passed its first reading unanimously on 5 February but failed to advance last week due to disagreements over its scope.
Lawmakers are expected to resume discussions this week. Meanwhile, students protested last week, demanding amnesty for those jailed during Maduro's crackdown on dissent.
"Supplies of justice have stabilized, but true freedom remains elusive for many,"
Opposition spokesperson
