Venezuela frees 104 political prisoners, rights group says

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by John PowerJanuary 26, 2026 at 05:46 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Venezuelan authorities released at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday, January 26, 2026, according to the Caracas-based rights group Foro Penal. Among those freed were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda, imprisoned in 2024 after visiting clients, and communications student Juan Francisco Alvarado. The releases follow acting President Delcy Rodriguez's promise to free prisoners detained under Nicolas Maduro, who was abducted by US special forces earlier in January. Rodriguez stated the move marks a "new political moment" allowing for greater diversity, following a crackdown on dissent after Maduro's refusal to concede the 2024 election. Foro Penal is verifying additional releases, and the total number of freed prisoners may increase.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% Carabobo 40% Gonzalo Himiob 50% Caracas 50% Alfredo Romero 60% Juan Francisco Alvarado 60% Kennedy Tejeda ×270% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×270% Delcy Rodriguez ×270% Foro Penal ×480% Venezuela ×290%

Keywords

political prisoners 100% venezuela 90% human rights 80% prisoner release 70% foro penal 70% detention 60% delcy rodriguez 50% crackdown on dissent 50% human rights defender 40%