At least nine people had been released as of Friday afternoon, representing just over 1% of political prisoners in Venezuela, according to human rights organization Penal Forum. The Committee for the Liberation of Political Prisoners in Venezuela (CLIPPVE) demanded “swift action and transparency” in the government’s release of the remaining detainees. According to the Penal Forum, 863 political prisoners remained in detention as of early January. Venezuela has also faced allegations of mistreating its political prisoners, in El Helicoide and elsewhere. Political prisoners had their visiting rights suspended and were prevented from communicating with the outside world, according to CLIPPVE.

Source: CNN January 10, 2026 08:59 UTC