Venezuela says over 100 political prisoners released; pope meets Machado

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Edna MohamedJanuary 12, 2026 at 04:26 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by the United States on January 3, 2026, Venezuela has released at least 116 prisoners arrested during his presidency for allegedly disrupting constitutional order. The Ministry of Penitentiary Services announced the releases, which began on Thursday, January 9, 2026, after pressure from US President Donald Trump. Among those released were two Italian citizens, prompting Italy to pledge improved relations with Venezuela. Human rights groups, who estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuela, have long called for these releases. While the government claims over 100 releases, Foro Penal, a human rights organization, reports a lower number of 41. Maduro is currently imprisoned in New York, facing drug-trafficking charges.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

New York 40% Rome 40% Caracas 40% Washington 40% Italy ×250% Antonio Tajani 50% Foro Penal 60% Donald Trump 60% United States ×270% Penitentiary Services Ministry ×270% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×490% Venezuela ×690%

Keywords

political prisoners 100% venezuela 90% nicolas maduro 80% prisoner release 70% human rights 60% us abduction 50% constitutional order 50% drug-trafficking charges 40%