Five Spanish Political Prisoners Released in Venezuela Amid Peace Efforts

In a significant development, at least five Spanish political prisoners have been released from captivity in Venezuela. This announcement comes shortly after Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the Venezuelan Parliament, indicated that a larger release involving Venezuelans and foreign nationals is imminent. Rodríguez stated that this move aims to consolidate peace and promote peaceful coexistence within the country. During a statement made at the Federal Legislative Palace, Rodríguez emphasized that this decision reflects a broad intention towards seeking peace and contributing to the Republic's stability. He expressed gratitude to former Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for their cooperation in what he termed a vital initiative. The exact number of political prisoners to be released remains undisclosed, though Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel Albares confirmed on the television program 'Malas lenguas' that among the released individuals are Spanish citizens. Specifically, the Government of Spain has confirmed the release of five Spaniards, including one with dual nationality. The released individuals are identified as José María Basoa, Andrés Martínez Adasme, Miguel Moreno Dapena, Ernesto Gorbe Cardona, and the Spanish-Venezuelan Rocío San Miguel. The Spanish Government is facilitating their travel back to Spain, with assistance from the Embassy in Caracas. Spain regards this release as a positive step as Venezuela embarks on a new phase, reinforcing its fraternal relations with the Venezuelan people. This development comes on the heels of a call from the Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal for a general amnesty for the 863 political prisoners it reports are currently detained in the country. The situation highlights the broader context of political repression under Nicolás Maduro's regime, where between fourteen and twenty Spaniards were imprisoned for political reasons or deemed arbitrary by late 2025. Additionally, this announcement follows a recent U.S. military incursion into Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, raising questions about the future of many remaining political prisoners. The NGO Foro Penal has documented hundreds of citizens arrested due to their political beliefs, with 'El Helicoide' becoming emblematic of the systematic repression under Maduro's rule. The newly established government under Delcy Rodríguez is now beginning to take steps towards the release of a significant number of these detainees. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3