The promise to release **Venezuela political prisoners** is stalling, a development that emerged on January 10, 2026, as reported by the Miami Herald. A severe internal power struggle within the Venezuelan government is the main cause hindering the **political prisoner release** process. Fewer than a dozen prisoners have been freed so far, a number far below expectations. The Venezuelan government initially announced the releases, calling it a “significant number.” This announcement followed the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and was tied to a **U.S. Venezuela plan** outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which aims to stabilize Venezuela and foster a **democratic transition**. However, the promise is faltering, highlighting deep divisions within the regime concerning **Venezuela political prisoners**.
Internal Power Struggle: A Block to Venezuela Political Prisoners
Sources reveal a direct confrontation between interim President Delcy Rodríguez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Cabello, a powerful figure accused by the U.S. of drug trafficking and involvement in the “Cartel de los Soles,” is at the core of the issue paralyzing the **political prisoner release** process. Cabello reportedly blocks judicial orders for the freedom of **Venezuela political prisoners**, signaling a raw power struggle that goes beyond mere political disagreement. Cabello appears to be using this situation to challenge Rodríguez and assert his control, demonstrating a very serious internal rupture within the Venezuelan government’s approach to **Venezuela political prisoners**.
The Prisoner Release Context for Venezuela Political Prisoners
The initial announcement of **political prisoner release** offered hope. Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly and Delcy Rodríguez’s brother, initially called it a “unilateral gesture” aimed at guaranteeing unity and peace on January 8, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed it as a “very important and smart gesture” and a sign of “Seeking Peace,” even canceling a second wave of U.S. attacks due to perceived cooperation. However, the actual releases of **Venezuela political prisoners** have been minimal. Human rights groups, including Foro Penal, estimate that over 800 political prisoners remain, with only about nine having been freed by Friday afternoon. Some of those released are not fully free, facing restrictive judicial measures such as regular court appearances, bans on public speaking, and open criminal cases that allow for re-arrest, effectively offering conditional freedom rather than full liberty for these **Venezuela political prisoners**.
Key Figures and Background in the Venezuelan Government Struggle
The situation involving **Venezuela political prisoners** is complex. Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. forces just days before the **political prisoner release** announcement. Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president, attempting to navigate a **U.S. Venezuela plan** aimed at stability and a U.S.-friendly order without alienating the regime’s base. Diosdado Cabello represents a hard-line faction, controlling police and prisons, and is at odds with the Rodríguez siblings, who are considered pragmatists with prior negotiation experience with Washington. The capture of Maduro has increased panic among military commanders, who are unsure who is in charge and question U.S. intentions regarding **Venezuela political prisoners**.
Notable Prisoners and Families’ Hopes for Venezuela Political Prisoners
Several prominent figures are among those detained, impacting the hopes for **Venezuela political prisoners**. Biagio Pilieri, a veteran opposition figure who coordinated strategy for opposition leader María Corina Machado, remains detained. Enrique Márquez, a former opposition presidential candidate, was released. Rocío San Miguel, a critic of Maduro, was freed. Juan Pablo Guanipa, a key opposition politician, was expected to be freed, but this liberation has not yet happened. Freddy Superlano and Roland Carreño are other opposition figures still held. Families of detainees have gathered outside prisons, expressing anxiety and hope while awaiting updates on the release of their loved ones and demanding genuine freedom for **Venezuela political prisoners**.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook for Venezuela Political Prisoners
The stalled releases of **Venezuela political prisoners** have significant implications, revealing the deep divisions within the Venezuelan government and the central role of the internal power struggle in impacting the country’s stability and U.S. plans for Venezuela. The U.S. desires a **democratic transition**, which includes political reforms. The limited releases indicate slow progress rather than genuine liberation, raising questions about future negotiations and impacting U.S. investment plans, particularly in the oil sector, which are contingent on stability. The situation highlights Venezuela’s ongoing political uncertainty, with international pressure and demands for real freedom persisting. The news from Miami serves as a stark reminder that the path to true democracy is challenging and that the internal fight must be resolved before the promise of release for **Venezuela political prisoners** can be fulfilled. The future remains uncertain, and the **Venezuelan government struggle** continues to be a critical focal point for international observers, particularly concerning **human rights Venezuela**.
