In a dramatic shift following the U.S. strike on Caracas and the arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro alongside his wife, Venezuela has announced the release of a significant number of political prisoners. This move, framed as a step toward maintaining ‘peace and order,’ has drawn international praise, particularly from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Meloni expressed her gratitude on X, stating she is closely monitoring Venezuela’s situation and hopes for renewed strong ties between Rome and Caracas under Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. ‘I thank them for initiating the release of political prisoners, including Italians, and hope this process continues,’ she posted.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, hailed the releases as a triumph over injustice in an audio message on social media. ‘This day proves injustice doesn’t last forever; truth always finds its way,’ she declared.
Among those freed is former opposition presidential candidate Enrique Marquez, who appeared elated in a video interview with a local journalist, saying, ‘It’s all over now.’ Spain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the release of five Spanish citizens, including one with dual nationality preparing to return home with embassy assistance, calling it a ‘positive step.’
Human rights groups estimate 800 to 1,000 political detainees remain in Venezuela, most arrested after protests following the 2024 elections. While the exact number released remains unclear, this development signals potential de-escalation amid global scrutiny. As families reunite and world leaders respond, questions linger about the future of stability in the oil-rich nation.