Venezuelan SEBIN authorities dispatched patrols from El Helicoide prison in Caracas between 3:16 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. UTC on January 9, 2026, to transport political prisoners for release at designated off-site locations using vehicles with dark windows, with the release of former magistrate Alejandro Rebolledo confirmed during this period, according to X posts by @cristiancrespoj and @jesusmedinae. The patrols were observed leaving in recent minutes, reinforcing reports of new releases amid national and international pressure on the regime, as stated by @cristiancrespoj. Families and friends were advised to stay tuned for handovers away from the prison entrance, per @HimiobSantome on X. These actions continue National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez's January 8 announcement of freeing political prisoners as a peace gesture, following prior releases including Enrique Márquez, Biagio Pilieri, and approximately 400 others by 8:15 p.m. UTC that day, according to previous reports citing @OrlvndoA, @agusantonetti, @alfredoromero, and Foro Penal.
