Venezuela releases 116 prisoners in latest government review

Venezuela releases 116 prisoners in latest government review
Family members of detainees hold candles outside of El Helicoide detention center in Caracas, Venezuela, January 11, 2026.
Reuters

Venezuela has released 116 detainees in a new wave of prisoner releases, according to the Penitentiary Services Ministry.

In a statement released on Monday, the ministry said those freed had been held for acts linked to disrupting the constitutional order and threatening national stability. 

It added that the move followed a review process coordinated by state institutions.

The latest releases add to 187 similar measures granted in December, the ministry said, describing the policy as part of an ongoing approach focused on justice, dialogue and social peace. Authorities said the review of cases would continue in line with existing laws.

Details about the identities and nationalities of most of those released were not immediately available.

However, Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani said some Italian citizens detained in Venezuela had been freed following diplomatic efforts.

The announcement came amid political turmoil after a U.S. operation earlier this month that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Following Maduro’s capture, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president.

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed the start of the releases at the weekend.

Rights groups have long called for the release of political detainees in Venezuela and have questioned official figures in the past. The government denies holding prisoners for political reasons.

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