Venezuela’s Political Prisoner Crisis Deepens Amid Unfulfilled Promises of Release

Venezuela’s democratic aspirations continue to be shackled by President Nicolás Maduro’s iron grip on power, as the latest reports reveal a mere trickle of political prisoner releases despite official claims. The country's largest opposition coalition, Plataforma Unitaria Democrática (PUD), has confirmed only 11 political prisoners freed so far—far short of what is needed for genuine reconciliation and respect for human rights.At a critical juncture, following a U.S. operation that captured Maduro and his wife and signaled possible shifts in Caracas–Washington relations, the Venezuelan regime's promises ring hollow. Jorge Rodríguez, a key government figure and brother of acting president Delcy Rodríguez,...