Venezuela frees nearly 900 political prisoners in 2026 amid ongoing detentions

Since the government’s announcement on 8 January 2026 to release a “significant number” of political detainees, the human‑rights NGO Foro Penal reports that 894 prisoners have been excarcelated. The latest batch, announced in late June, included four women, three military officers sentenced in 2019, and young detainees such as 19‑year‑old Aranza Hernández, sister of an exiled dissident.

Despite the releases, Foro Penal still counts 389 people held for political reasons: 225 civilians, 164 military personnel, one minor, and 39 individuals with dual nationality. Families of the remaining detainees have maintained a continuous vigil outside the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, demanding full freedom. U.S. President Donald Trump previously pledged to ensure the liberation of all political prisoners in Venezuela. Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa also called publicly for an end to state persecution and for the complete release of those still incarcerated.