Minister Albares has personally spoken with each of the released individuals, who are now preparing for their return to Spain with assistance from the Spanish embassy in Caracas. “Today is a very happy day,” the minister stated, assuring that all five are in good health and that his ministry is prepared to provide any necessary support.
Release of Spanish Nationals from Venezuela
Families of the released Spaniards have already been contacted from the Spanish ambassador’s residence in Caracas, and their arrival in Spain is anticipated by midday this Friday. While Minister Albares refrained from detailing the specifics of the negotiations leading to the release, the Venezuelan negotiator expressed gratitude to former Spanish President José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Qatar for their assistance.
The Spanish Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are currently working to determine if any other Spanish nationals, including those with dual citizenship, might potentially be eligible for release in the coming hours or days by Venezuelan authorities. This ongoing effort highlights the commitment to securing the freedom of all Spanish citizens affected by the situation.
On December 23rd, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with family members of three of the released individuals at the Moncloa Palace. These meetings were with the families of José María Basoa and Andrés Martínez Adasme, two Basque men arrested in September 2024 and accused of affiliation with the CNI (Spain’s National Intelligence Centre) and planning terrorist acts
, amid heightened tensions following the arrival of exiled opposition leader Edmundo González in Madrid. Family members of Canarian journalist Miguel Moreno Lapena, detained in June after Venezuela intercepted the marine exploration vessel he was traveling on – citing suspicious behavior
– were also present.
Additionally freed are Ernesto Gorbe Cardona,who was detained in December 2024,and Rocío San Miguel,a Spanish-Venezuelan human rights advocate and president of the Control Ciudad