Human Rights Watch visits Venezuela after 18-year absence, finds 'pause' in repression but abusive apparatus intact

Following the January 2026 ouster of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces, Human Rights Watch visited Venezuela for the first time in 18 years. The group met with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, reporting a temporary "truce" in overt repression but warning that the state's abusive apparatus remains intact. While Rodríguez has released hundreds of political prisoners and unblocked news sites, rights groups demand the closure of the notorious Rodeo I prison, where systematic torture continues, and call for free elections.

Human Rights Watch Visit and Recommendations

• ▪A Human Rights Watch delegation visited Caracas, Venezuela, in September 2026, marking the organization's first visit to the country in 18 years since its expulsion by Hugo Chávez in 2008.
• ▪Human Rights Watch recommended that Venezuela unconditionally release all political prisoners, repeal its anti-terrorism and hate laws, and reform its security apparatus.
• ▪Human Rights Watch representatives met with Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodríguez on September 17, 2026, to urge short-term human rights measures and institutional reforms.
• ▪Human Rights Watch deputy executive director Federico Borello stated on September 18, 2026, that while Venezuela is experiencing a pause or truce in overt repression, the state apparatus responsible for abuses remains intact.

Reforms by the Interim Government

• ▪On September 17, 2026, the Venezuelan interim government unblocked dozens of censored news websites and resumed political dialogue with an opposition faction.
• ▪Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has released hundreds of political prisoners, closed the El Helicoide detention center, and enacted a sweeping amnesty since taking office in January 2026.

Abuses and Conditions at Rodeo I Prison

• ▪Former inmates of Venezuela's Rodeo I prison Whillfer Pina and Freddy Superlano, both released in February 2026, described cramped, dark, and unsanitary conditions designed to cause psychological distress
• ▪Human Rights Watch and former inmates have called for the immediate closure of Rodeo I prison, describing it as a torture center reserved for opponents of the Venezuelan government.
• ▪United Nations investigators reported that authorities tortured 64 political prisoners at Rodeo I prison following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026.

U.S. Involvement and Oversight

• ▪The interim government of Delcy Rodríguez operates under United States oversight, with critics noting that former loyalists of Nicolás Maduro remain in key positions.
• ▪Human Rights Watch criticized the United States government for focusing largely on advancing the Trump administration's economic goals in Venezuela rather than human rights.
• ▪Interim President Delcy Rodríguez assumed office in January 2026 after U.S. forces ousted and captured former President Nicolás Maduro, who was flown to New York to face trial.

Political Negotiations and Election Demands

• ▪The Venezuelan interim government and the 2015 National Assembly in exile resumed U.S.-backed transition negotiations in August 2026, with a second round scheduled to conclude on September 23, 2026.
• ▪Human Rights Watch deputy executive director Federico Borello echoed demands from Venezuela's opposition for timely, free, and fair elections that allow political opponents to run for public office

Political Prisoners in Venezuela

• ▪The Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal estimates that at least 344 political prisoners remain imprisoned in Venezuela, with dozens held at Rodeo I.
• ▪The Venezuelan human rights group Foro Penal reported that at least 20 political prisoners have died in state custody, including one at Rodeo I prison.

Debatable claims

• ▪Venezuela should repeal its anti-terrorism and hate laws
• ▪The United States is prioritizing economic interests over human rights in Venezuela