Venezuela to Release Prisoners After Maduro Seizure

Parliament president announces unilateral decision as a 'gesture of peace'

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:56pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a barred window in a dimly lit prison cell, with warm sunlight streaming in and creating deep shadows, conveying a sense of confinement and the potential for change.The impending release of prisoners in Venezuela raises hopes for peace, but also questions about the true motives behind the move.NYC Today

In a surprising move, Venezuela's parliament president Jorge Rodríguez has announced the imminent release of a substantial number of Venezuelan and foreign prisoners, describing it as a unilateral decision and a gesture of peace. This development comes after the US government seized ousted president Nicolás Maduro, marking a potential concession from Venezuelan authorities.

Why it matters

The prisoner release is a significant step, especially given the US government's stance that it is 'in charge' in Venezuela after Maduro's seizure. It remains to be seen whether this move will truly bring peace or if there are underlying strategic motives behind it.

The details

Rodríguez emphasized that the releases are happening as he speaks, though the exact number of prisoners to be freed remains undisclosed. Despite Venezuela's denial of holding political prisoners, the US government and the country's opposition have been vocal in their demands for the release of opposition figures and critics. Foro Penal, a non-governmental monitor, estimates that 806 political prisoners, including 175 military personnel, are currently detained in Venezuela.

  • The prisoner release announcement comes in the wake of the US seizing ousted president Nicolás Maduro.

The players

Jorge Rodríguez

Venezuela's parliament president who announced the prisoner release.

Delcy Rodríguez

Jorge Rodríguez's brother and the acting president of Venezuela, who is keeping the details of the prisoner release under wraps.

Nicolás Maduro

The ousted president of Venezuela who was seized by the US government.

Donald Trump

The former US president who alluded to the closure of a 'torture chamber' in Caracas.

José Manuel Albares

The Foreign Minister of Spain who has expressed hope that Spanish citizens will be among those freed.

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What they’re saying

“The Bolivarian government, along with state institutions, has chosen to release a substantial number of Venezuelan and foreign individuals. These releases are happening as we speak.”

— Jorge Rodríguez, Venezuela's parliament president

“The prisoner release is a very positive move.”

— José Manuel Albares, Spain's Foreign Minister

What’s next

The US government and Venezuela's opposition will be closely monitoring the prisoner release to ensure that it includes the release of political prisoners and critics of the Maduro regime.

The takeaway

This prisoner release announcement is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela. While it may be a gesture of peace, it remains to be seen whether it will truly bring about a resolution or if there are underlying strategic motives behind the move.