Torture, broken families and years behind bars: The stories behind Venezuela’s latest prisoner releases

On Friday, the Venezuelan government announced the release of 131 political prisoners, bringing some measure of relief to families who had been separated for years. The detainees were freed in response to U.S.-backed talks between the government and the opposition, though the initial agreement did not explicitly mention the release of the over 300 political prisoners still being held.

Among the most prominent figures released were Emirlendris Benítez, a mother and small-business owner who was arrested in 2018 amid the investigation into a drone attack against former President Nicolás Maduro. She was accused of terrorism and conspiracy, facing a potential 30-year sentence. Also among the released was María Auxiliadora Delgado Tabosky, a Venezuelan businesswoman who was arrested in 2019 and convicted of terrorism, treason and criminal association.

Her case garnered international attention due to her family connections and the arbitrary nature of her detention. Another released prisoner was Yolimar Alemán, who was arrested in 2020 during Operation Gideon and had been linked to treason, rebellion and other charges. Her case is emblematic of detainees prosecuted in connection with the failed armed incursion against the Venezuelan government in 2020.

Daniel Zambrano, from Táchira state, was also released on Friday, having spent more than four years in prison since May 2022. His case drew particular focus due to the plight of his imprisoned brother, Juan Nahir Zambrano, who was released earlier in 2026. The family's ordeal began when Juan Nahir was detained along with others in a related case, with the release of Daniel Zambrano serving as a symbolic milestone in the ongoing struggle for political prisoner rights in Venezuela.