The Trump administration in the United States is being criticized for not making the release of hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela a top priority in its transition plans for the country. The mother of two imprisoned and tortured brothers expressed concern over the lack of focus on the detainees amidst the recent military strike targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Marisela Parra, 49, welcomed the capture of Maduro but raised alarm over the unchanged governing structure, which she believes continues to endanger political prisoners. She emphasized that economic interests seem to take precedence over the plight of those unjustly detained by the regime.
According to the human rights organization Foro Penal, Venezuela currently holds over 800 political prisoners, with 54 released on January 1, 2026. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, unveiled a three-step plan for Venezuela, outlining the prioritization of stabilizing the country and selling a significant amount of its oil before addressing the release of political detainees.
Delcy Rodríguez, the current leader of the Venezuelan government, was sworn in as president following Maduro’s capture. Despite the change in leadership, key government figures, including Rodríguez’s brother and top ministers, retain their positions, maintaining control over various branches of power.
Marisela Parra recounted the ordeal of her sons, one of whom participated in a failed coup against Maduro and was sentenced to prison, leading to the persecution of her other son by authorities. The family has faced threats and separation, with her eldest son enduring torture and inhumane treatment while incarcerated.
Following the recent military actions in Venezuela, concerns have been raised over the escalating repression by the regime, with calls for amnesty and the release of political prisoners. Human rights violations, including cases of sexual violence as torture in prisons, have been documented, highlighting the grim situation in the country.
The article details a series of arrests and disappearances of opposition members and activists, illustrating the government’s crackdown on dissent. The struggles and sacrifices of individuals involved in the opposition movement, including threats, imprisonment, and violence, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by those standing against the regime.