Venezuela political prisoners: Rubio urges releases

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Venezuelan Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco on Monday and urged the continued release of political prisoners as part of Venezuela’s political transition, the State Department said.

The meeting was Blanco’s first US visit after interim president Delcy Rodriguez named him foreign minister last week. Rodriguez has led Venezuela under Washington’s oversight since American forces ousted Nicolas Maduro in January.

The State Department said Rubio reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan for Venezuela, covering stabilization, economic recovery, political reconciliation and democratic transition.

It said Rubio and Blanco discussed progress in Venezuelan-led reconciliation talks, including institutional reforms intended to lay the groundwork for free, fair and credible elections.

Foro Penal, an NGO that defends political prisoners, said Venezuela had 344 political prisoners as of September 18. The Venezuelan government and opposition figures have said fresh elections will be held, but have not given a date.

Blanco also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss developments in Venezuela and the Trump administration’s transition plan, according to a US readout.