Number of prisoners released in Venezuela rises to 41, says rights group

Foro Penal says the number of prisoners freed in Venezuela has climbed to 41, as calls grow for the release of more political detainees long demanded by rights groups and opposition figures.

Reuters

January 12, 2026

A woman holds a candle as family members of detainees wait outside of El Helicoide detention center, as Venezuela's government begins releasing some detainees, with the freeing of political prisoners marking a move long demanded by human rights groups, international bodies and opposition leaders, in Caracas, Venezuela, January 11, 2026.

Fausto Torrealba/Reuters

The number of prisoners released in Venezuela has risen to 41, local rights group Foro Penal said on Monday, after 24 people were freed overnight.

The release of hundreds of political prisoners in the South American country is a long-running demand of human rights groups, international bodies and opposition figures.

-Reuters

The number of prisoners released in Venezuela has risen to 41, local rights group Foro Penal said on Monday, after 24 people were freed overnight.

The release of hundreds of political prisoners in the South American country is a long-running demand of human rights groups, international bodies and opposition figures.

-Reuters