Venezuela’s top lawmaker says more than 400 prisoners have been released

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al JazeeraJanuary 14, 2026 at 04:43 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, announced on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, that over 400 prisoners have been released. This statement contradicts claims from local rights groups, who estimate the number of freed prisoners to be between 60 and 70 in recent days. Rodriguez stated that the releases were a peace gesture following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3. While Rodriguez claims none of those released were political prisoners, rights groups, international bodies, and opposition figures have long called for the release of political prisoners in Venezuela. Human rights groups estimate that there are still hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States forces 50% United States 60% National Assembly 60% Donald Trump 70% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 70% Jorge Rodriguez ×380% Venezuela ×790%

Keywords

prisoner release 100% political prisoners 90% venezuela 80% human rights 70% national assembly 60% jorge rodriguez 60% donald trump 50% nicolas maduro 50% abduction 40% peace gesture 40%