Thousands march in Venezuela to demand US free President Maduro, wife

Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was released on February 2, 2026, after being imprisoned for over four years. Tarazona's release is part of a broader amnesty announced by the Venezuelan government. The amnesty and subsequent release of political prisoners follow pressure from the United States after the abduction of President Maduro. The Venezuelan government made the amnesty announcement late last week.

Venezuelan rights activist Javier Tarazona, head of the NGO Fundaredes, was released from El Helicoide prison in Caracas on Sunday after being detained since July 2021. His release is part of a larger effort by the Venezuelan government, under pressure from the US, to release political prisoners. Since January 8th, over 300 political prisoners have been freed. The government plans to introduce an amnesty law to benefit hundreds more and close El Helicoide. Tarazona was arrested after alleging government officials had links with Colombian guerrillas, leading to charges of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred. While Fundaredes welcomes Tarazona's release, they emphasize the injustice he suffered.

Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was released from the Helicoide detention center in Caracas on February 1, 2026, after being imprisoned for over four years. Tarazona, director of FundaRedes, was arrested in July 2021 and charged with "terrorism" and conspiracy for his work tracking alleged abuses by Colombian armed groups and the Venezuelan military. His release was part of a larger prisoner release program, with Foro Penal verifying over 300 political prisoners freed since January 8. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced a proposed "amnesty law" and plans to transform the Helicoide prison. While the government claims over 600 prisoners have been released, they have not provided a clear timeline or official list.

On February 4, 2026, thousands of Venezuelans marched in Caracas to demand the release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were allegedly abducted by US forces on January 3. The demonstration, organized by the Venezuelan government, featured Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, who condemned the US action as a desecration of Venezuelan soil. Protesters carried signs and wore shirts calling for the couple's return from US detention. According to local media, the march was part of a global day of action, with solidarity protests occurring worldwide under slogans such as "Bring them back" and "Hands off Venezuela." The demonstrators are demanding that the US government free the Venezuelan president and his wife.

In February 2026, US envoy Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas to reopen the US diplomatic mission in Venezuela, seven years after relations were severed. This follows the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January 2026, an action widely criticized as a violation of international law. Dogu, appointed charge d’affaires to the Venezuela Affairs Unit, will engage in talks with Venezuelan officials to create a roadmap for bilateral interests and address existing differences. Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with the US in 2019 after then-President Trump supported Juan Guaido as interim president. A Maduro loyalist stated that reopening the embassy would allow the Venezuelan government to oversee the treatment of the deposed president.

Following the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power in January 2026 by the US, many exiled Venezuelans are hesitant to return home. Despite Maduro's absence, the existing government and its repressive elements remain in place. Many Venezuelans, like political consultant Luis Peche who fled to Colombia in 2025, fear potential violence and persecution if they return. The US has recognized Maduro's former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, as interim leader, but gangs that suppressed dissent continue to operate. While Maduro is gone, the underlying conditions that forced many Venezuelans into exile persist, causing them to delay their return.

Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the U.S. military in early January 2026, Venezuelan military and police forces have pledged their allegiance to interim President Delcy Rodriguez. The loyalty pledge occurred at a ceremony in Caracas, where Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello declared their support for Rodriguez. Padrino stated the pledge was necessary after the U.S. operation that resulted in the deaths of dozens, including Venezuelan soldiers and Cuban security personnel. Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, has promised a "new political moment" and has released political prisoners. Despite threats from U.S. President Trump regarding further intervention and control of Venezuela's oil reserves, Rodriguez maintains that no foreign entity governs Venezuela.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado believes a democratic transition in Venezuela would dramatically transform the country and the region, comparing its significance to the fall of the Berlin Wall. In an interview, Machado stated that a free Venezuela would eliminate communism, dictatorship, and narco-terrorism from the Americas. She intends to return to Venezuela to push for this transition following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Delcy Rodríguez, a Maduro ally, is currently leading a U.S.-backed transition as interim president. Machado expressed concerns about Rodríguez's leadership, arguing that genuine change requires a complete break from the previous government to establish rule of law, trust, and stability.

On January 30, 2026, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a proposed amnesty bill that could potentially lead to the release of hundreds of political prisoners. The amnesty could affect opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists currently detained. The announcement prompted celebrations from activists and relatives of those imprisoned. Family members of detainees protested and held vigils in Caracas and Guatire, calling for the release of their loved ones. The bill's purpose is to address concerns regarding individuals imprisoned for political reasons within Venezuela.

U.S. Ambassador Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela, which had been closed for seven years. The reopening follows a military action ordered by the U.S. President Donald Trump that removed Nicolás Maduro from office almost a month prior. Venezuela and the United States severed diplomatic ties in February 2019 after Trump supported Juan Guaidó's claim to be interim president. Venezuelan officials stated the embassy's reopening would allow oversight of Maduro, who is jailed in the U.S., and that Dogu's arrival is part of a plan to resolve differences through diplomatic dialogue. The arrival occurred a day after Venezuela's interim president announced an amnesty bill to release political prisoners.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the reopening of Venezuelan commercial airspace, signaling significant US control over the country. Trump stated that he informed interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez of upcoming visits from US oil companies seeking projects. He assured the safety of American citizens traveling to Venezuela, citing strong US control. This decision follows a US military attack on Venezuela earlier in the month, which resulted in the abduction of former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. American Airlines plans to resume flights pending US administration approval and secure conditions, after the US suspended commercial flights to Venezuela in 2019. The US has used the threat of further military action to align Venezuela with its priorities.

Following the U.S. capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on narco-terrorism charges, all known American detainees in Venezuela have been released, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy on Friday. The releases have occurred gradually since Maduro's capture. While the interim government reported releasing 116 prisoners earlier this month, a non-governmental organization has only verified about 70. The U.S. State Department has a limited number of personnel in Caracas working to resume diplomatic relations, but advises against travel to Venezuela due to the fluid security situation. Venezuela is currently led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who recently signed a law overhauling the oil sector and opening it to privatization. President Trump stated that American energy companies will invest $100 billion to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure.

In January 2026, Venezuela announced a major overhaul of its petroleum sector, easing state control and allowing private firms to invest. This decision follows earlier indications from the US, under President Trump, expressing interest in Venezuela's substantial oil reserves. The new law, signed by Venezuela's interim president, potentially opens the door for US oil companies to return to the country with significant investments. The changes raise questions about the potential benefits for both Venezuela and the United States. Experts are debating who will gain the most from this shift in policy.

In January 2026, Venezuelan lawmakers approved legislation to ease state control of the oil industry. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez signed the oil industry overhaul to attract private and foreign investment. The reform bill was backed by workers of Venezuela's state-owned PDVSA oil company. The goal of the legislation is to open the nation's oil sector to privatization. In related news, President Trump announced the U.S. will open Venezuela's commercial airspace, allowing Americans to visit.

Venezuela's legislature passed a bill on Thursday opening its oil industry to private investment, relaxing decades of state control. The reforms to the hydrocarbons bill aim to attract foreign capital by making the royalties regime more flexible, as the industry struggles under years of US sanctions. Simultaneously, the US Treasury Department began easing sanctions on Venezuelan oil, expanding the ability of US energy companies to operate in the country. These actions by both governments signal a significant geopolitical and economic shift in Venezuela, potentially allowing the US to control Venezuelan oil sales. The moves follow demands made by the US after the removal of Nicolas Maduro from power.