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Venezuelan Political Prisoner Reunites with Niece During State of the Union

KVIA•Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 7:42 AM•CNN Newsource

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Enrique Márquez, a Venezuelan opposition leader recently released from prison, shared an emotional reunion with his niece, Alejandra Gonzalez, during President Trump's State of the Union address. Trump highlighted their bond while announcing Márquez's release, which follows significant political shifts in Venezuela after the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. The U.S. has pressured the new Venezuelan leadership to release political prisoners, resulting in over 400 releases so far. However, many still face restrictions, and a new amnesty law has been passed to facilitate further releases. This reunion symbolizes hope for families affected by Venezuela's political turmoil.

Key Details: • Enrique Márquez was released from El Helicode prison last month. • Since Maduro's removal, over 400 political prisoners have been freed. • New amnesty law passed in Venezuela aims to release more political prisoners. • Alejandra Gonzalez feared never seeing her uncle again before this reunion.

trump venezuela humanrights politicalprisoners stateoftheunion

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpVenezuelaForo PenalWashingtonDelcy RodríguezEnrique MárquezJorge RodriguezAlejandra GonzalezEl Helicode prison

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