Caracas

Caracas is the capital of Venezuela and the center of recent political upheaval. It's newsworthy due to significant developments following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. military. Laura Dogu, the U.S. envoy, has arrived in Caracas to reopen the American diplomatic mission after seven years of severed ties. Simultaneously, interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists like Javier Tarazona, who was recently freed after years of imprisonment. Furthermore, the notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas, known for alleged prisoner abuse, is slated to be converted into a sports and social services center. These events signal a potential shift in Venezuela's political landscape and its relationship with the United States, particularly regarding oil sector privatization and human rights concerns.