Venezuela's political prisoner count rises to 379, says human‑rights NGO

Venezuelan human‑rights organization Foro Penal reported that, as of 27 July 2026, the country holds 379 political prisoners. Of those detainees, 353 are men and 26 are women; 219 are civilians and 160 are military personnel, all adults. The latest balance added 14 newly identified prisoners while three were released during the prior week.

Among the detainees, 157 have been convicted and 222 remain without sentence, and 40 are foreign nationals. One prisoner's whereabouts is unknown. Foro Penal noted that since 2014 it has documented 19,171 political detentions, provided free assistance that led to the release of more than 14,000 people, and continues to support over 11,000 individuals subject to restrictive liberty measures. The updated list has been submitted to the Organization of American States and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for verification as political negotiations proceed in Venezuela.