Rafael Tudares Bracho, the son-in-law of Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez, was released from a Venezuelan prison on Thursday. Tudares Bracho had been held at El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, Miranda State. His release comes amid a gradual reduction in the number of political prisoners held in Venezuelan prisons under the administration of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

The release has been interpreted by some observers as a conciliatory gesture toward the United States government. The U.S. administration, under President Donald Trump, has maintained a military presence off the Venezuelan coast and issued warnings to Venezuelan officials regarding compliance with U.S. demands.

Edmundo Gonzalez, Tudares Bracho's father-in-law, was a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate in Venezuela. Gonzalez's daughter, Mariana Gonzalez, was seen embracing a woman after visiting her husband at El Rodeo I prison.

The government of Delcy Rodriguez assumed power after disputed elections. The United States and several other countries have not recognized Rodriguez as the legitimate president of Venezuela. The U.S. continues to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on the Venezuelan government, advocating for democratic reforms and the release of political prisoners.

While the release of Tudares Bracho has been welcomed by his family and supporters, the exact reasons for his imprisonment and subsequent release remain unclear. The Venezuelan government has not issued an official statement regarding the matter. The U.S. State Department has also not yet commented on the release. It remains to be seen whether this release signals a broader shift in policy regarding political prisoners in Venezuela or a change in relations between Venezuela and the United States.