Venezuela begins releasing detained Americans

Chavista leader Jorge Rodríguez announces release of prisoners in Venezuela Venezuela began the release of the first Americans detained this Tuesday (13). The United States Department of State called the move an “important step in the right direction.” ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp “We welcome the release of the Americans detained in Venezuela,” said the spokesperson. “This is an important step in the right direction by the interim authorities.” The measure to release political prisoners was announced last week by the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, one of the leaders of Chavismo. “The Bolivarian government, together with state institutions, decided to release a significant number of Venezuelans and foreigners, and these release processes are taking place right now,” Rodríguez added. The releases, a frequent demand of the country’s opposition, are a gesture of peace, Rodríguez said, adding that the action was unilateral and not agreed with any other party. Activist Rocío San Miguel is released Among the prisoners released this Thursday (8) is the Venezuelan activist Rocío San Miguel, who also has Spanish nationality. She had been detained since February 9, 2024. Her release was confirmed by the Spanish government. Specialist in military issues and director of the NGO Control Ciudadano, Rocío was detained 2 years ago, after being linked by authorities with an alleged plan to assassinate President Nicolás Maduro. She was held in Helicoide, the feared intelligence service prison that human rights organizations classify as a “torture center.” Persecution Since the US military operation that captured dictator Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan regime has intensified repression on the streets, with interrogations at checkpoints and detentions of journalists, according to “The New York Times”. Last Monday, his government ordered “the nationwide search and capture of all those involved in promoting or supporting the United States armed attack” that kidnapped Maduro. With a state of emergency decree in force, Venezuelans have reported an increase in the number of police and other security agents on the streets, including “colectivos”, masked militias that carry out armed patrols. Additionally, checkpoints have been established in different locations across the country, where vehicles are stopped and agents question their occupants. Human rights groups say police check phones for signs of opposition to Maduro or Chavismo.

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