Caracas, February 1, 2026 — The Penal Forum—one of Venezuela's leading human rights NGOs—confirmed that at least 33 people considered political prisoners were released this Sunday, as part of a series of releases that have been announced since the beginning of the month.
The ONG which independently monitors the situation of those detained for political reasons, has been updating the release data since the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez—which assumed power after the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro—announced a release program on January 8.
🔹 Current situation:
So far this Sunday, Penal Forum has verified 33 releases, although the number could be adjusted as identity and legal status verifications are completed.
This new group is part of a series of releases that, according to various reports from the NGO, have resulted in hundreds of prisoners being freed since the beginning of January, although the exact total number varies in the reports and continues to be monitored.
Among those recently released are activists and human rights defenders, as well as others detained for alleged political reasons.
🔹 National and international context: This surge in releases comes amid a volatile political climate in Venezuela and international pressure—including from the United States and human rights organizations—to end politically motivated detentions and move toward justice and reconciliation processes.
🔹 NGO and government assessment: While Foro Penal continues to update its figures, the interim government maintains that the releases are underway as part of a broader policy and has spoken of legal initiatives—such as a proposed amnesty law—to regulate and expand this process.
📍 Note: The term "political prisoners" refers to people detained, according to human rights organizations, for reasons related to their political activity or for expressing positions contrary to the government, although the Venezuelan state often rejects this classification.
🟡 Follow the live coverage: If you'd like, I can update you with the names of those confirmed to have been released or a timeline of recent releases verified by NGOs. Would you like that information?
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