Foro Penal: 894 Political Prisoners Released in Venezuela Since January

The Venezuelan non-governmental organization Foro Penal has reported that 894 political prisoners have been released from detention since January 8, when authorities announced a significant number of releases. The NGO confirmed the figure, continuing its monitoring of individuals deprived of liberty in the country. Foro Penal's Vice President, Gonzalo Himiob, stated that between Monday and Friday of this week, 25 people were released, including seven women. Among those freed were individuals detained in 2025, a 19-year-old, and a former official from the identification and immigration service accused of falsifying identity cards for alleged "terrorists." Military personnel Diosmer Rumbos, Jhon Jaimes, and Kelvis Coronel, who had been sentenced to 30 years, were also released. These recent releases follow a pattern observed over recent months, though human rights organizations deem the process insufficient given the number of individuals still imprisoned. The release process began after an announcement by National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, shortly after a U.S. military operation on January 3. Foro Penal reported that as of this week, 389 political prisoners remain in Venezuela, including one minor and 39 individuals with dual or foreign citizenship. Families of detainees continue to hold vigils outside the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, demanding further releases.

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Between Monday and Friday of this week, 25 people were released, of whom 10 regained their freedom on Friday.