Venezuela Releases 17 Political Prisoners

Venezuela has released 17 political detainees, according to the human rights arm of the opposition movement Vente Venezuela.

A relative of a political prisoner speaks with a policeman outside the Bolivarian National Police (PNB) Zona 7 prison in Caracas on February 13, 2026 | Photo: AFP

The group announced the development in a statement shared on X, noting that those freed include 10 men and seven women. A non-governmental organisation, Clippve, also confirmed the releases in a separate update.

Details surrounding the conditions of their detention and the terms of their release were not immediately disclosed. However, opposition groups have long maintained that many individuals arrested in recent years were detained for political reasons.

The latest development comes amid sustained pressure from both local and international human rights advocates, calling for the release of individuals described as political prisoners in the country.

While the release of the 17 detainees has been welcomed by rights groups, activists say many more remain behind bars. Opposition voices continue to demand broader reforms and greater transparency within Venezuela’s justice system.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the releases.