Venezuela in Turmoil: Political Prisoners Fear for Life Amid Uncertain Transition
The political landscape in Venezuela is undergoing significant upheaval, marked by the US-led capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent transition of power to interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. While the Venezuelan economy is being liberalized, the repressive apparatus of the previous regime remains intact, raising concerns about the interim government's intentions. These developments have sparked fears among political prisoners, with some fearing for their lives.
Background and Context
Maduro's capture on January 3, 2026, by American commandos came as part of a military operation involving more than 150 planes and helicopters. US President Donald Trump claimed that a new secret weapon, dubbed the 'Discombobulator,' was used to disable Venezuela's air defense systems during the operation, according to an interview with the New York Post.
Following the operation, the transition of power to Rodríguez saw some economic liberalization. However, the repressive apparatus of Maduro's regime remains active, with the president of the Penal Forum characterizing it as a repression monster
that could strike at any moment.
Developments and Concerns
The circumstances remain precarious for political prisoners in Venezuela. Relatives of detainees continue to hold vigils outside prisons, hoping for their loved ones' release. Despite the regime's announcement in early January that it would release a significant number
of detainees, no names, criteria, or deadlines have been disclosed.
German Giuliani, one of the Argentinians detained in Venezuela, expressed his fears in a video recording that was spread a week after his arrest in May 2025. I fear for my life, I fear I will not get out of here,
he said.
In the meantime, Rodríguez has delivered a sharp rebuke of US interference, declaring enough
of US influence during a speech to oil workers. These defiant remarks have raised questions about her willingness to push back against Washington, especially at a time when Caracas remains heavily constrained by US sanctions.
Implications and Reactions
The political shift in Venezuela has led to various reactions on the international stage. President Trump has emphasized his commitment to American energy dominance and the role Venezuela, home to the world's largest supply of crude oil reserves, can play in it. Meanwhile, Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi is set to visit China, marking the first visit by a Latin American leader to Beijing since Maduro's capture.
Opposition leader María Corina Machado has compared a successful democratic transition in Venezuela to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting it would rapidly transform the nation's economy and reverse years of instability.
However, critics suggest that the slow release of political prisoners is an attempt by the regime to 'keep the US satisfied.'
Current Status
At present, a limited number
of U.S. personnel are operating in Caracas as Washington looks to resume diplomatic relations with Venezuela. This phased resumption of operations would include the re-opening of the U.S. Embassy and consulate offices in Venezuela.
While dozens of political prisoners have been freed, at least 66 people taken by state authorities remain missing. The families of these detainees continue their search, hoping for their safe return in these uncertain times.