This Thursday in Venezuela, a significant move toward amnesty for political prisoners began, potentially altering the lives of numerous individuals detained for political reasons amidst ongoing allegations of human rights abuses.
According to Foro Penal, there are currently at least 806 political prisoners held across various detention facilities in the country.
The announcement came earlier from Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, who stated that a "substantial number of both Venezuelan and foreign individuals" would be released. Although he didn't provide specific figures or names, information soon started pouring in from the press and the prisoners' families.
Among the prominent names that surfaced were Juan Pablo Guanipa, Rocío San Miguel, Perkins Rocha, Biagio Pilieri, and Enrique Márquez. These individuals are well-known figures within the Venezuelan opposition and human rights activism circles.
Journalist DelValle Canelón reported that Enrique Márquez's wife received a call to pick him up, while other journalists like Víctor Amaya mentioned additional detainees being added to the list of those to be released.
Elyangélica González, another journalist, confirmed that Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor of Zulia State and a close ally of María Corina Machado, was freed at 1:29 PM Venezuelan time. This news quickly sparked reactions both domestically and internationally.
Guanipa was apprehended on May 23, 2025, after going into hiding following the July 28 elections. His family had publicly expressed concerns about his health, citing insulin resistance and hypertension.
Just hours before his release, his family shared a hopeful message on social media: “We await you at home alive, free, and in peace.”
Another eagerly anticipated release is that of Rocío San Miguel, a lawyer, human rights defender, and president of the NGO Control Ciudadano. She was detained on February 9, 2024, while attempting to leave the country via Maiquetía airport. International organizations have condemned her arbitrary detention, lack of legal clarity, and denial of medical treatment after a shoulder fracture.
Also noteworthy is Perkins Rocha, a lawyer and legal advisor closely associated with María Corina Machado, who was detained in August 2024 and held at El Helicoide. His wife has repeatedly decried his prolonged isolation and communication restrictions, highlighting the severe physical and emotional toll.
Biagio Pilieri’s case exemplifies a frequent pattern: arrested after participating in an opposition protest and presented in court without trusted legal representation. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted him precautionary measures due to health risks from cardiovascular issues.
Enrique Márquez, a former opposition presidential candidate, was detained on January 7, 2025. His arrest has been denounced as a political kidnapping by opposition parties and human rights organizations. The IACHR has described his situation as "grave and urgent."
As of now, no images or videos have emerged to visually confirm each release, but the atmosphere is one of restrained anticipation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Political Prisoner Releases in Venezuela
Who are some of the political prisoners released in Venezuela?
Prominent figures such as Juan Pablo Guanipa, Rocío San Miguel, Perkins Rocha, Biagio Pilieri, and Enrique Márquez have been identified among those released.
What is the current number of political prisoners in Venezuela?
Foro Penal reports that there are at least 806 political prisoners across Venezuela's detention centers.
What has been the international response to these releases?
The international community, including human rights organizations, has shown significant interest, reacting swiftly to news of the releases and highlighting ongoing concerns over human rights violations.