Podcast Summary – Más de uno

Host: Carlos Alsina (Onda Cero)
Episode: El portavoz de Rocío San Miguel celebra su liberación de las cárceles venezolanas: "El principio del fin de un régimen político"
Date: 9 de enero, 2026

Overview

This episode centers on the recent release of Venezuelan-Spanish human rights defender Rocío San Miguel from a Venezuelan prison, examining what this event signals for Venezuela’s political situation. Host Carlos Alsina interviews Sergio Contreras, spokesperson for San Miguel, to discuss her release, the broader issue of political prisoners in Venezuela, and the ongoing challenges faced by ex-prisoners and their families.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of the Prisoner Release

• Announcement by Jorge Rodríguez:
  Alsina opens by explaining that Jorge Rodríguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, announced the release of a number of prisoners described as "persons" rather than "political prisoners" ([00:00]).
• Scale and Motive:
  Only 100 out of an estimated 1,000–2,000 political prisoners were freed, which Rodríguez characterized as "a gesture" to encourage national reconciliation ([00:00–01:52]).
• Cynicism about Gesture:
  The host notes Rodríguez avoided discussing reasons for incarceration, and points out this is "a small proportion" and does not ensure "full freedom" due to ongoing restrictions ([00:00–01:52]).

2. The Case of Rocío San Miguel

• Details of Detention:
  Contreras describes San Miguel’s 23-month imprisonment, much of it incommunicado, and the persecution of her close family (two ex-husbands, daughter, and siblings also detained) ([02:09]).
  • "Fue una persecución a toda su familia." – Sergio Contreras ([02:21])
• Family Still Detained:
  One ex-husband remains in prison despite the release ([02:24]).
• Nature of Repression:
  Contreras highlights that San Miguel defended human rights within Venezuela’s military ethics context, and her case illustrates the regime’s broader pattern of cruelty ([02:30]).
• San Miguel’s Future:
  San Miguel is expected to travel to Spain with her brother, avoiding the “precautionary measures” (medidas cautelares) that restrict most released prisoners ([03:08]).
• Impact of Measures:
  These measures "keep a sword of Damocles over people," ensuring silence and deterring advocacy or recounting of their jail experiences ([03:39]).

3. Repression Beyond Prison Walls

• Family as Hostages:
  Even in exile, former prisoners remain silent due to fear of reprisals against relatives still in Venezuela ([04:13–05:09]).
  • Example: Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia's yerno (son-in-law) remains detained, his daughter's search illustrates ongoing pressure ([05:09]).
• Long-term Precautionary Measures:
  Some have endured over 10 years of such legal uncertainty without conclusion ([06:14]).
  • "Hay presos políticos... con más de 10 años con medidas cautelares. Algo absolutamente irracional." – Sergio Contreras ([06:15]).

4. International Perceptions and Double Standards

• Denial of Political Prisoners:
  Contreras addresses those in Spain and elsewhere who claim reports of Venezuelan political prisoners are just right-wing propaganda ([06:24]).
• Call for Empathy and Consistency:
  Contreras rebukes what he calls Europe’s “double standard,” comparing it to how Spaniards would expect support in similar circumstances ([07:06]).
  • "Negar la existencia de jóvenes autistas presos, negar la existencia de académicos presos… es simplemente tener un capricho antidemocrático que de alguna forma se burla del sufrimiento de un pueblo." – Sergio Contreras ([07:06])
  • He notes the magnitude: 18,000+ detained arbitrarily, according to the UN; 9 million Venezuelans in exile; 15,000+ injured during protests ([07:29–08:10]).
• Criticism of Media and Politicians:
  He criticizes elements of Spanish media and politicians for minimizing Venezuelan suffering on ideological grounds ([07:41]).

5. The Human Cost and Hope for the Future

• First-hand Testimony:
  Contreras movingly shares his and others' experiences with torture, arbitrary detention, and the loss of loved ones ([10:00–12:00]).
  • "Sabemos lo que significa la persecución, cómo huele un barrote en una cárcel..." – Sergio Contreras ([12:10])
• The Importance of Solidarity:
  He appeals to Spaniards and the international community for solidarity, not just in words but in actions and policy ([08:38–09:36]).
• Celebrating Small Victories:
  The release of each political prisoner is characterized as "a celebration," but the fight is for the release of all political prisoners and for full liberty ([12:45]).
  • "Estamos celebrando que hay presos políticos que tienen 22 años presos. Escúchese esto, 22 años presos, toda una vida destruida." – Sergio Contreras ([13:10])
• Call for Sustained Pressure:
  Ultimately, Contreras urges continued pressure on democratic governments to secure the release—and full freedom—of all political prisoners ([13:10–13:44]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Family Persecution:
  "Fue una persecución a toda su familia." – Sergio Contreras ([02:21])

• On Precautionary Measures:
  "Te sacan de la cárcel, no significa que luego puedas ejercer libremente tu actividad ni política ni de ningún tipo." – Carlos Alsina ([01:32])
  "Las medidas cautelares lo que hacen es que mantienen a las personas con una espada de Damocles en el cuello para que sean absolutamente silenciadas..." – Sergio Contreras ([03:39])

• On Denial of Political Prisoners:
  "Negar la existencia de jóvenes autistas presos... es simplemente tener un capricho antidemocrático..." – Sergio Contreras ([07:06])

• On Double Standards:
  "Hay un doble rasero que se aplica con el tema de Venezuela, sobre todo desde el privilegio europeo..." – Sergio Contreras ([07:41])

• On Suffering and Hope:
  "Lo único que nos queda es celebrar la liberación de Venezuela, celebrar la liberación de los presos políticos..." – Sergio Contreras ([13:10])

Important Timestamps

• [00:00–01:52]: Introduction, context of the releases, regime’s official stance
• [01:52–04:13]: Interview with Sergio Contreras begins—details of Rocío San Miguel’s captivity and family’s ordeal
• [04:13–06:24]: Discussion of repression, precautionary measures, and exile
• [06:24–07:06]: Challenge to those denying political imprisonment in Venezuela
• [07:06–09:36]: Reflection on European/S panish media, empathy, and solidarity
• [09:36–13:10]: Testimony of suffering, repeated incarcerations, and hope for democratic shift
• [13:10–13:44]: Urgent call for broader liberation and full freedom

Tone & Language

The conversation maintains a sober, passionate, and urgent tone. Contreras speaks from a place of deep personal experience, using evocative imagery and direct challenges to international audiences, while Alsina guides the interview with clarity and focus.