Articles in this Cluster
09-01-2026
The Venezuelan government has started releasing political prisoners considered as such by human rights groups, describing it as a goodwill gesture. The release comes after US President Donald Trump seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a lightning raid on Caracas and took him to face drug trafficking charges in New York. Prominent Venezuelan-Spanish rights activist Rocío San Miguel was among the first confirmed to be freed. Human rights organizations welcomed the news with caution, noting that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained. The move is seen as a response to long-held US demands, particularly during periods of heightened repression around elections or protests.
Entities: Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, Rocío San Miguel, Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy Rodríguez • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-01-2026
The article reports on the release of political prisoners from El Helicoide prison in Caracas, Venezuela, a notorious detention center known for torture. The release is seen as a significant development and potentially a sign of change under the new administration led by Delcy Rodriguez, who was sworn in as caretaker president. The move comes after months of growing calls for the release of political prisoners, with over 18,000 politically motivated arrests since 2014 under Nicolas Maduro's government. The release includes major opposition activists, some linked to prominent opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The US, under President Trump, has been watching these developments closely, with Trump recently commenting on the closure of Venezuela's 'torture chamber', likely referring to El Helicoide.
Entities: Nicolas Maduro, Caracas, El Helicoide, Delcy Rodriguez, Maria Corina Machado • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
09-01-2026
Venezuela has begun releasing political detainees as a gesture to 'consolidate peace', according to the country's congressional president, Jorge Rodríguez. The move comes five days after the US seized Nicolás Maduro. Opposition leader María Corina Machado hailed the releases, saying they showed that 'injustice' would not prevail in the country. Spain's foreign ministry confirmed the release of five Spanish nationals, including a dual national, Rocío San Miguel, who was detained in February 2024 and accused of treason, conspiracy, and terrorism. Human rights organizations estimate that Venezuela holds between 800 and 1,000 political prisoners, most detained for taking part in protests after the 2024 election. The releases are being treated with caution by activists, who have been skeptical of the regime's previous promises to release detainees.
Entities: Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, María Corina Machado, Jorge Rodríguez, Spain • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
