A New Chapter for Spanish Citizens Freed from Venezuela

In a turn of events, five individuals, including four Spanish citizens and one Venezuelan-Spanish activist, touched down in Madrid on Friday. Their arrival came just a day after their release from a Venezuelan prison. This development unfolded following the U. S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The release of these individuals has sparked discussions about the broader implications for political prisoners in Venezuela. U. S. President Donald Trump commented that Venezuela is freeing political prisoners as a gesture of seeking peace. However, human rights groups in Venezuela have not observed any large-scale releases, casting doubt on the extent of this gesture.Among those released, San Miguel stands out as a lawyer and security expert with a deep understanding of Venezuela's military. He was detained in February 2024 at Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas. Two others, Andres Martínez Adasme and Jose María Basoa, both from the Basque Country, were detained in September 2024. They were accused of being members of Spanish intelligence plotting to kill Maduro, a claim Spain has consistently denied. The other freed individuals are Ernesto Gorbe and Miguel Moreno. Upon their arrival in Madrid, they were reunited with friends and family. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares expressed his joy, calling it a happy day and wishing them a swift return to normal life. Spain has welcomed the release, describing it as a positive step. However, questions remain about the broader situation of political prisoners in Venezuela and the true intentions behind these releases.