CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan authorities announced this week they will release 300 individuals from detention, including some who have been held on political grounds for extended periods.
The planned releases were revealed Tuesday by National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez during proceedings at the legislative building in Caracas. While Rodríguez did not directly label those being freed as political detainees, human rights advocates have characterized many of their cases as politically driven arrests.
“We’re not asking anything of anyone, nor are we asking for anything in return,” Rodríguez said. “We simply ask that you appreciate the gesture, and if at any point you become aware of any opposition member who has committed a crime against public funds, please report it, and we will assist you in filing the complaint.”
The timing of this announcement follows increased pressure on acting President Delcy Rodríguez, the National Assembly president’s sister, regarding the in-custody death of Víctor Hugo Quero last year and the recent passing of his mother, Carmen Navas, on Sunday.
Navas, age 82, passed away just 10 days after Venezuela’s prison authorities issued a statement revealing that Quero had died in July following hospitalization while detained. Officials had kept this information secret even as Navas desperately searched for her son, visiting jails, courts, and government offices demanding proof he was alive. Quero had been in custody since January 2025.
According to the official statement, Quero, a 51-year-old salesperson, succumbed to “acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary thromboembolism” 10 days after being hospitalized for digestive problems. Authorities claimed they didn’t contact his family because he hadn’t provided emergency contact details.
Navas was buried Tuesday in Caracas. The previous day, several dozen protesters, primarily university students, held a demonstration honoring Navas and holding Venezuela’s leadership responsible for both her death and her son’s.
According to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan organization monitoring prisoner rights, over 400 individuals remain imprisoned in the South American nation for political reasons.
This week’s announcement mirrors a similar declaration made following the January 3 U.S. military action against the country that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. During that time, Jorge Rodríguez described the planned prisoner releases as efforts “intended to seek peace” without identifying specific parties involved.
The earlier releases drew approval from U.S. President Donald Trump, though family members of those still imprisoned and human rights organizations have criticized Venezuela’s leadership for the limited scope and sluggish implementation of the release process. Last week, Trump promised reporters he would ensure all political prisoners gain freedom.
“We’re gonna get them all out,” Trump said.
