What Is El Helicoide, the Infamous Torture Prison in Venezuela?

El Helicoide, located in Caracas, Venezuela, was originally conceived as a drive-through shopping mall in the 1950s. However, it became a notorious prison and symbol of state repression under Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian rule. Human rights groups have described it as a "torture center" where political prisoners were held. In January 2026, Venezuela's interim authorities began releasing political prisoners from El Helicoide and other jails, following Maduro's capture by U.S. troops. While the releases signal a potential shift under the new government, the future of El Helicoide remains uncertain, as authorities have not announced its closure.

Following the US seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela announced the release of an unspecified "important number" of detainees, framed as a gesture to promote peace. The move comes amid estimates that Venezuela holds 800-1,000 political prisoners, largely from protests after the disputed 2024 election. Spain confirmed the release of five Spanish nationals, including Rocío San Miguel, a dual national human rights defender detained in February. Prior to this announcement, it was estimated over 40 foreign nationals were detained in Venezuela, including around 20 Spaniards and five US citizens. The announcement is being met with caution, as previous promises of releases were not fully realized.

Venezuela's government announced on Thursday the release of an unspecified but "important number" of political prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign nationals. This marks the first conciliatory gesture by the new administration following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro. The decision, according to National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez, aims to reinforce peace and coexistence within the country. While prisoners' rights groups estimate that hundreds remain incarcerated, this announcement offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing detentions. Human rights organizations have expressed cautious optimism, calling for the release of all political prisoners as a step towards restoring democracy, while noting that similar releases have occurred in the past without leading to lasting change.