Venezuela has released multiple foreign nationals from prison, including citizens from Albania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Germany and other countries, according to statements from foreign governments and media reports.
The prisoner releases come as part of a wave of detentions lifted following the U.S. military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month and ongoing political changes in the country. Venezuelan authorities and international governments have described the releases as a gesture in the context of wider diplomatic and political shifts.
Foreign Nationals Freed
- Czech Republic: A Czech man detained since 2024 on accusations of plotting to assassinate Maduro and topple the government was released along with others, Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said.
- Other Countries: Macinka confirmed that those released included nationals from Albania, Ireland, Romania, Germany, Ukraine and the Netherlands.
- Italy: Earlier releases included Italian citizens reportedly freed from Venezuelan detention following the U.S. capture of Maduro.
At the time of reporting, no official figure has been released on exactly how many Albanian citizens were freed, and there has been no formal comment from Albanian authorities regarding their nationality or number.
Background: Broader Prisoner Release Context
The releases follow announcements by Venezuelan authorities in early January that a “significant number” of political detainees and foreign prisoners would be freed as part of efforts to portray a new political moment and in response to international pressure. Human rights groups and rights organizations have questioned the scope and transparency of the releases, noting that many political prisoners remain behind bars.
Rights organizations estimate that hundreds of political prisoners remain detained in Venezuelan prisons, with only a fraction independently confirmed as released so far.
Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
Officials in Prague and Rome welcomed the releases, while calls continue for more transparency and broader releases of those held for political reasons. Governments of affected countries are reportedly working to assist their freed citizens with repatriation.
The developments come amid ongoing U.S.–Venezuela political shifts, where the interim Venezuelan leadership has sought to cooperate on certain issues following Maduro’s removal, although human rights groups warn that repression and arrests have not yet fully ended.
