While in Venezuela a process of releases began on Thursday that could change the fate of hundreds of political prisoners, opposition leader María Corina Machado published an audio message on her X account, addressed not only to those regaining freedom, but also to their families, who have silently carried a burden for years.
"You were a source of strength when freedom was lacking," said Machado in a message full of symbolism and emotion, released just hours after the Venezuelan government announced the release of a "significant number" of detainees for political reasons, including foreign citizens.
"Nothing can bring back the stolen years, nothing erases the long nights or the irreparable absences," she expressed, acknowledging the emotional burden endured by the wives, mothers, fathers, children, and siblings of political prisoners.
However, he emphasized that this day "matters," because it confirms something that many families refused to let die: that injustice is not eternal and that the truth, though wounded, ultimately breaks through.
The chavista government, led by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, presented the releases as a "unilateral gesture of peace", while the United States and Colombia emerge as key players in a new effort for diplomatic easing.
Meanwhile, confirmations began to emerge regarding the releases of prominent figures from the opposition and human rights activism, such as Juan Pablo Guanipa, Perkins Rocha, Enrique Márquez, and Rocío San Miguel, along with the departure from the country of five Spanish citizens detained in Venezuela, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares.
For Machado, beyond names and lists, the essence of the moment lies with those who upheld the very notion of justice when the State attempted to bury it.
"Receive this moment as an act of moral restitution," he said, appealing to a contained joy, "calm and steadfast," that does not forget what has been experienced nor considers the struggle to be over.
In a country where, according to the Foro Penal, more than 800 political prisoners remain, the opposition leader made it clear that the process is far from over. “We will not rest until all prisoners are free and all of Venezuela can embrace full democracy and freedom,” she stated, concluding her message with an appeal to faith and unity.
Six hours after the official announcement, uncertainty continued to pulse through the day. There were no definitive lists, nor clear confirmation of how many or who would be released. Some relatives received notice that the releases could take place in the early morning or during the following day, reported El País.
"We have to wait for the call," said one of them, summarizing the contained anguish felt both inside and outside the country.
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