Venezuela Frees Prisoners After Maduro's Capture
Ukadike MichealVenezuela releases prisoners after Maduro's capture, hinting at a political shift as US pressure mounts.
A week after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela has continued to release political prisoners, including a key member of opposition leader María Corina Machado's party. The move signals a potential shift in the nation's political crisis amid intense American pressure.
Prisoner Releases Begin Amid Political Upheaval
Venezuelan authorities freed at least five individuals on Saturday, a development confirmed by the human rights group Foro Penal. Among those released was Virgilio Laverde, the youth coordinator for Machado's Vente Venezuela party in the state of Bolívar.
The release of political prisoners has been a central demand of the opposition. So far, approximately two dozen people have been freed, though Foro Penal estimates that more than 800 remain in detention. National Assembly head Jorge Rodríguez stated on Thursday that a significant number of prisoners would be released as a gesture of peace.
Other notable figures released include:
• Biagio Pilieri: A former lawmaker and an ally of Machado.
• Enrique Márquez: Former vice president of the opposition-led National Assembly.
• Five Spanish citizens.
The political dynamic extends beyond Venezuela, as neighboring Nicaragua also freed 20 political prisoners on Saturday following increased pressure from the United States.
Despite the releases, Venezuela's acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, maintained a defiant stance. Speaking at a food market, she vowed to secure Maduro's return. "We will not rest until we have President Maduro back; we are going to rescue him," she said, making no mention of the prisoner releases.
US Responds with Sanctions Relief and Security Warnings
The United States has responded to the developments with a mix of incentives and warnings. President Donald Trump confirmed he had canceled a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing cooperation from the South American nation. American diplomats have reportedly visited the capital, Caracas.
Simultaneously, the US issued a security advisory on Saturday, cautioning Americans in Venezuela about reports of armed militias establishing roadblocks and searching vehicles for US citizens or signs of support for the United States.
On the economic front, President Trump signed an executive order to protect Venezuelan oil revenue held in US Treasury accounts. The order shields these funds from creditors, preventing their seizure to settle debts or other legal claims. Furthermore, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters that the US might lift some sanctions as early as next week to help facilitate oil sales.
Oil Sector Cautious Despite US Investment Push
Despite the political maneuvering and potential sanctions relief, major US oil companies remain wary of reinvesting in Venezuela.
On Friday, top oil executives expressed caution regarding a push from President Trump for them to commit at least $100 billion to rebuild the nation's energy sector. The head of Exxon Mobil Corp. provided a blunt assessment, calling Venezuela "uninvestable" in its current state.
