Venezuela Frees Several Americans From Prison, U.S. Says

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Annie Correal, Anatoly Kurmanaev and Edward WongJanuary 14, 2026 at 03:35 AM

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In January 2026, Venezuela's interim government released several imprisoned U.S. citizens, marking the first such releases since the U.S. military captured former President Nicolás Maduro. The State Department welcomed the move as a step in the right direction, with at least three Americans freed as of Tuesday night, including one from a Caracas prison. Rights groups estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela, and the interim government has promised to release a significant number of detainees. While some political prisoners from Italy and Spain have also been released, Foro Penal, a leading human rights organization, has denounced the slow pace of releases. Under Maduro, the Venezuelan government often used international prisoners as bargaining chips in negotiations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Spain 35% Italy 35% President Trump 40% El Helicoide prison 50% Caracas 60% Foro Penal ×260% U.S. military 70% State Department ×275% United States ×380% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×290% Venezuela ×895%

Keywords

u.s. citizens 90% venezuela 90% prison release 80% political prisoners 70% nicolás maduro 60% interim government 60% human rights 50% state department 50% diplomacy 40%