By Charles Maduka
Venezuela has begun releasing a large number of political prisoners, including several foreign nationals, in a development welcomed by United States President Donald Trump, who described the move as a positive step toward cooperation following the removal of former leader Nicolas Maduro. The releases, which started on Thursday, mark the first major action of this nature since Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, assumed leadership with the backing of Washington.
Trump, in a social media post, praised the decision as a sign of willingness to pursue peace, calling it a “very important and smart gesture.” He said the United States and Venezuela were now working well together and disclosed that he had cancelled a planned second wave of military strikes against the country due to what he described as growing cooperation between both sides.
Among those freed was former Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Enrique Marquez, who contested the disputed 2024 election against Maduro. Speaking shortly after his release in a video shared by a local journalist, Marquez expressed relief and optimism, saying the ordeal was over as he appeared alongside his wife and another opposition figure, Biagio Pilieri.
The White House credited Trump’s pressure tactics for the releases, saying the development showed how maximum leverage was being used to secure outcomes beneficial to both Americans and Venezuelans. Trump also expanded his rhetoric against drug cartels, stating in a televised interview that the United States would intensify land operations against criminal groups, following earlier maritime strikes in the region.
Venezuela’s interim leadership confirmed the releases, with National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez stating that a large number of Venezuelan and foreign detainees were being freed in the interest of peaceful coexistence. However, officials did not provide details on the total number of prisoners released or the detention facilities involved. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado welcomed the announcement, saying injustice would not last forever and that truth would ultimately prevail.
Security was heightened around the El Helicoide detention centre in Caracas as families gathered in hope of seeing their loved ones freed. Rights groups estimate that more than 800 political prisoners remain in Venezuelan custody. While Delcy Rodriguez insisted that Venezuela was not subjugated to foreign powers, the developments have further underscored the central role of oil and US influence in shaping the country’s political transition.
Leave a Reply