Maduro Releases 87 Political Prisoners Amid Trump Pressure 2026

A conciliatory gesture has emerged in the shadow of escalating military strikes. On January 1, 2026, the government of Nicolas Maduro released 87 prisoners held since the disputed 2024 elections. This marks the second release within a week as Donald Trump's administration intensifies its campaign against Venezuela.

The Trump Administration's Escalating Pressure Campaign

The releases from Tocoron prison in Aragua state follow a significant shift in US policy. Earlier this week, Trump revealed the first-ever American strike on Venezuelan soil, targeting a dock allegedly used for drug trafficking. The Pentagon has also maintained a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers. According to rights groups, these military operations have already resulted in over 100 deaths.

While Maduro frames the releases as a commitment to 'peace and justice,' observers see it as an attempt to soften his international image. On December 25, the government announced 99 releases, though the rights group Foro Penal could only verify 61 at the time.

Lingering Standoff from the 2024 Election

The political crisis stems from the July 2024 vote, where Maduro claimed a third term despite evidence from independent experts suggesting a landslide victory for Edmond Gonzalez. The ensuing protests led to at least 28 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Currently, over 700 people remain in custody for political reasons. From exile in Norway, opposition leader Maria Corina Machado continues to back the US pressure campaign, even as local experts warn that military intervention remains a deeply divisive issue among domestic opposition groups.