Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, on Jan. 23 said that 626 people have been released from prison to date, but did not provide further information about the prisoners.
The limited information has fueled concerns about transparency in the process.
This announcement builds on earlier efforts documented in The Epoch Times, in which releases were framed as bids for peace amid U.S.–Venezuela tensions.
The Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal has confirmed the release of just 156 political prisoners in Venezuela since Jan. 8, Foro Penal Director Alfredo Romero said in a post on X on Jan. 23.
Earlier, on Jan. 13, only 56 prisoners had been verified released, including political detainees and foreigners, contrasting sharply with official claims of more than 400 at that time. Romero had earlier posted on social media, “We already know of some people on their way to freedom, including foreigners,” referring to initial releases post-Nicolás Maduro’s capture.
Rodriguez said in her statement on Jan. 23 that she will have a phone call on Jan. 26 with the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to ask the United Nations to verify the lists of those released so far in the Latin American country.
This step toward international oversight follows calls from rights advocates for accountability. The United Nations has previously documented human rights issues in Venezuela, serving as an official arbiter in such matters.
The releases trace back to then-leader Maduro’s Jan. 3 capture by U.S. forces on narco-terrorism charges, after which Rodriguez assumed interim control. Days later, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, brother of the interim leader, said the regime has decided to release “a significant number” of Venezuelan and foreign detainees as a gesture affirming its “broad intention to seek peace.”
President Donald Trump responded positively, posting on Truth Social that Venezuela was freeing “large numbers of political detainees” as a “very important and smart gesture,” leading him to cancel a second wave of military attacks.
Venezuela announced its second group of releases, including Americans, on Jan. 13, but without providing any further details.
The U.S. State Department applauded the move.
“We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela. This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities,” the department stated.
Foro Penal reported 777 political prisoners, including 70 foreigners or Venezuelans with dual nationality, as of Jan. 19.
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