What the evidence shows
U.S. State Department statements confirm more than 1,000 political prisoners released since January 3, 2026, so 'hundreds' is accurate, but reports document only a dozen or so high-profile opposition figures returning from exile, not hundreds. Machado's return was coordinated directly with U.S., Panamanian, and Colombian governments (with U.S. security contractors), and her political faction is not participating in the reconciliation talks.
- CNNcnnespanol.cnn.com
- U.S. Department of Statestate.gov
- Reutersreuters.com