CARACAS — In a move widely seen as a “gesture of peace” toward the international community, the interim Venezuelan government has begun the phased release of dozens of foreign nationals and hundreds of local political prisoners. On Friday, January 16, 2026, diplomatic officials from several European nations confirmed that their citizens had been freed and were being prepared for immediate repatriation.
The mass release follows a seismic shift in Venezuelan politics after a U.S. military operation earlier this month led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The acting government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, has initiated these releases as a “unilateral gesture” to stabilize relations with the West and the Trump administration.
European Nations Confirm Freed Citizens
The overnight release at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time included high-profile detainees who had been held for months—and in some cases years—under allegations of espionage or anti-government plots.
- Czech Republic: Foreign Minister Petr Macinka confirmed the release of Jan Darmovzal, who was detained in September 2024. Prague has already dispatched an aircraft to Caracas to retrieve him.
- The Netherlands: Caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel announced that three Dutch nationals are now safe at the Dutch embassy. This includes a sea captain and his wife who were arrested seven months ago during a shipwreck research expedition.
- Germany & Others: Reports from Caracas indicate that nationals from Germany, Ireland, Romania, Albania, and Ukraine were also among the group released in this latest wave.
- Hungary: Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed a Hungarian woman, part of the same maritime crew as the Dutch nationals, has been freed and is under consular care.
A “Bargaining Chip” Strategy?
While families celebrate at prison gates like El Rodeo and El Helicoide, human rights organizations remain cautious. Foro Penal, a leading watchdog, noted that while the government claims nearly 400 individuals have been freed since January 8, many releases remain conditional, requiring recipients to report to courts every 30 days.
| Country | Status of Nationals | Primary Reason for Detention (Alleged) |
| Czech Republic | 1 Freed | Plotting to assassinate the President |
| Netherlands | 3 Freed | Espionage/Illegal maritime expedition |
| Spain | 5 Freed | Terrorism and destabilization |
| United States | Multiple Freed | “Conspiracy” and political activism |
Geopolitical Impact: Towards a Diplomatic Reset
The timing of these releases is highly strategic. U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed on Truth Social that the releases were a direct result of U.S. intervention, stating that Venezuela is “closing up torture chambers.”
Diplomats from the Czech Republic and Italy have already signaled a willingness to “restore diplomatic relations” and elevate their representatives to the rank of Ambassador, suggesting that the “prisoner diplomacy” is successfully easing the international isolation that characterized the Maduro era.
The Bottom Line
The liberation of these foreign nationals marks the end of a harrowing chapter for European and American families. However, with an estimated 800 political prisoners still in custody, the international community is watching closely to see if this is a genuine pivot toward democracy or a calculated move to secure the lifting of global oil sanctions.
