The failure of the U.S. government under President Donald Trump to prioritize the release of hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela is endangering their lives, according to the mother of two detained and tortured brothers. Marisela Parra, aged 49, expressed concern that despite the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a recent military operation, the existing governing structure remains a significant threat to imprisoned individuals.
Parra criticized the transition plans, highlighting a focus on oil and business over addressing the plight of political prisoners. The Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal reports that there are over 800 political prisoners in Venezuela, with 54 released on January 1, 2026.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a three-step plan for Venezuela, outlining the release of political prisoners as a secondary phase following the stabilization of the country, which includes the sale of a substantial amount of Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Under the current leadership of Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice-president of Maduro, key government figures including Jorge Rodríguez, Vladimir Padrino López, and Diosdado Cabello remain in power, maintaining regime control across various sectors.
Marisela Parra recounted the ordeal faced by her two sons, Leandro Leomar Chirinos Parra and Leonardo David Chirinos Parra, who were embroiled in political turmoil. Leandro’s involvement in a coup attempt led to a 21-year prison sentence, while Leonardo, a member of Venezuela’s counter-intelligence agency, was detained and tortured for information regarding his brother.
The escalation of political repression following the 2024 election led to a surge in arrests, with activists and opposition members becoming targets of government crackdowns. The aftermath of the election witnessed a significant crackdown on dissent, with many individuals detained or disappeared by authorities.
Jesus Hermoso from the Committee for the Freedom of Social Activists emphasized the need for a general amnesty and the release of political prisoners as an essential step in the transition process. Hermoso highlighted instances of severe human rights abuses within Venezuelan prisons, including the use of sexual violence as a form of torture.
The experiences of individuals like Luis Carrero, a coordinator for the opposition campaign in Tachira, underscore the pervasive state surveillance and repression faced by dissenting voices in Venezuela. Carrero’s account of harassment and intimidation by state forces reflects the dangerous environment for those opposing the government.
The ongoing plight of political prisoners and the broader human rights crisis in Venezuela continue to draw international concern, with calls for urgent action to address the systemic violations and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.