A Release of Jailed Politicians in Venezuela was Announced by the President of Venezuelan Parliament

The president of the Venezuelan Parliament and chief negotiator for Chavismo, Jorge Rodríguez, announced Thursday the release from prison “a significant number of people,” including Venezuelans and foreigners – without specifying the number.  Rodríguez emphasized that the release of these citizens begins from this date.   

Rafael Tudares, son-in-law of Edmundo González Urrutia, among the political prisoners released in Venezuela. In addition to the president-elect’s relative, those present also include Perkins Rocha, legal advisor to María Corina Machado, and Juan Pablo Guanipa, an opposition leader.

The chief negotiator for Chavismo also emphasized that this measure is being implemented in order to “contribute and collaborate with the effort that we must all carry out for peaceful coexistence, without distinction of ideological, religious, political or social current.”  “We are all Venezuelans and we are sheltered under the same beautiful sky of this republic,” Rodríguez declared. 

Venezuela’s Interim Government Announces Mass Release of Political Prisoners

The surprise announcement would be seen as a timely gesture to ease tensions with the Trump administration.  In a move aimed at easing internal and external political tensions, the Venezuelan government confirmed on Thursday the release of a significant number of political prisoners, including several foreign nationals. The measure comes at a critical juncture, as the interim administration of Delcy Rodríguez struggles to survive and holds talks with Washington following the recent arrest of Nicolás Maduro. 

Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, was in charge of announcing the decision from the Legislative Palace. Although the official chose to keep the official list and the exact number of beneficiaries confidential, he described the action as a “unilateral gesture of peace” aimed at restoring national harmony.  “This is a sovereign decision by the State institutions that seeks social peace and does not respond to prior agreements with sectors of the opposition,” Rodríguez emphasized, assuring that the release process is already underway. 

International Mediation

Despite insisting on the unilateral nature of the measure, the Speaker of Parliament acknowledged the facilitating role of foreign figures and governments. He highlighted the work of:

José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, former Spanish president.

Lula da Silva, president of Brazil.

The Qatari government, key in recent diplomatic efforts.

“We all embrace the same flag, we sing the same national anthem, and we all contribute and collaborate in the efforts of a broad intention to seek peace, so that the country may recover its prosperity,” said the president of the Venezuelan parliament.