Following the release of 17 Americans this year, there would no longer be any fellow citizens imprisoned in Venezuela. Photo: Department of State.
Guacamaya, September 18, 2025. According to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, there are 89 foreign nationals being held as political prisoners in Venezuela as of September 15, 2025.
With 34 imprisoned, the largest group remains Colombians, while 13 hold dual Venezuelan nationality. The next is that of Spanish citizens, with 16 prisoners, although 13 are dual nationals.
On August 24, the release of two citizens with dual Italian and Spanish nationality was achieved, including former deputy Américo de Grazia and Margarita Assenza. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is reported to have mediated to secure it. However, this measure was finalized as part of the release of a total of 13 politicians, primarily from Zulia.
In July, Washington and Caracas carried out a large-scale prisoner exchange that included the repatriation of 5 American citizens and 5 permanent residents of the United States. On two other prior occasions in 2025, the release of first 6 Americans and then another not considered a political prisoner was negotiated.
In May, the Venezuelan government announced the arrest of several foreigners accused of conspiring against the regional and legislative elections on the 25th of that month. Some were released shortly after, including a Spanish citizen and an Argentine citizen.
According to Foro Penal, there are 823 political prisoners in Venezuela, of which 170 are military personnel.
