ISTANBUL

Spain on Friday welcomed the release of Spanish citizens detained in Venezuela, calling the move a “positive step” and voicing hope for further prisoner releases as Caracas begins freeing a “significant number” of inmates amid political turmoil.

Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told public broadcaster RNE that the Spaniards who were freed are physically well but remain “in shock” after their sudden release.

He said Madrid hopes that “a few more” detainees could be released in the coming days.

Albares said those freed had woken up believing they would remain in detention “indefinitely” but were released within hours at the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Caracas before beginning their journey to Madrid.

They were expected to arrive at Barajas Airport late Friday.

Describing the development as a moment of “great happiness” for families, Albares said Spain had been in contact with Venezuelan authorities for “many months” to secure the releases.

He praised the decision by acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, calling it “a positive step in this new stage that is opening up in Venezuela.”

Spain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that five Spanish nationals were among those released, including Venezuelan-Spanish human rights lawyer Rocio San Miguel, whose detention since February 2024 had drawn strong criticism from rights organizations.

Looking ahead, Albares stressed the importance of dialogue to achieve a peaceful and democratic solution in Venezuela, saying decisions about the country’s future “must be made by Venezuelans,” without external imposition.

He added that Spain would continue engagement with both Venezuelan authorities and opposition figures, including Edmundo Gonzalez.