CARACAS – Venezuela has begun releasing several prominent opposition figures and political detainees, in what officials described as a goodwill gesture amid ongoing political tension and calls for broader reform.
According to reports, Venezuelan authorities freed two leading opposition members on Thursday, including Enrique Marquez, a politician who supported an opposition candidate in the 2024 presidential election, and Biagio Pilieri, a lawmaker and critic of the government. Both were detained amid the country’s turbulent political environment in recent years.
The releases were confirmed by local rights groups, including Foro Penal, and covered by international media as part of a broader process of easing political pressure. Spain’s foreign ministry also confirmed that five Spanish citizens, including human rights activist Rocío San Miguel, were among those freed.
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National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced on state television that a significant number of prisoners would be released immediately, framing the action as a step toward “national unity and peaceful coexistence.” However, officials have not yet disclosed the total number of detainees freed.
Human rights organizations welcomed the development with cautious optimism, noting that Venezuela still holds hundreds of political prisoners. Many opposition figures remain in detention, and rights advocates stress that releasing a few individuals, while positive, does not fully resolve long-standing concerns about political freedoms and human rights in the country.
The move comes amid a turbulent period for Venezuela, which has drawn international attention following the capture and transfer of former president Nicolás Maduro to the United States. Observers say the releases could signal a shift in the political landscape, though broader changes remain uncertain.
Opposition leaders and international advocates are watching closely to see whether these initial releases will lead to further steps toward political reconciliation and expanded freedoms in Venezuela.
