Venezuela releases Canary Islands journalist Moreno Dapena after seven months in prison
The Venezuelan government announced on Thursday that Miguel Moreno Dapena, a journalist from Gran Canaria, has been freed after almost seven months of captivity. He was released together with four other Spanish nationals.
The decision also included the liberation of an “important number” of other prisoners—both Venezuelan and foreign—described by authorities as a gesture to “consolidate peace and peaceful coexistence” following the ousting of former President Nicolás Maduro and the assumption of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly.
“We are very happy because the family’s goal was for Miguel to return home. It’s like we hit the jackpot. Moreno, you’re free,” the family told Televisión Canaria.
The family had even taken the case to the United Nations and had hoped for a Christmas return, a wish finally fulfilled in the first days of the new year.
A Gesture from the Bolivarian Government
“Consider it a gesture from the Bolivarian Government, with a broad intention of seeking peace,” Rodríguez said at a press conference outlining the new administration’s measure.
Human‑rights groups, however, note that hundreds of political prisoners remain in Venezuela and that the total number of those released has not been officially disclosed.
The release comes just two weeks after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met with the families of Moreno, José María Basoa and Andrés Martínez Adasme at the Moncloa Palace on 23 December. Sánchez pledged “efforts at every level” to secure their repatriation.
Alongside Moreno Dapena, the following Spanish citizens were also freed:
- José María Basoa (Bilbao)
- Andrés Martínez Adasme (Bilbao)
- Ernesto Gorbe Cardona (Valencia)
- Rocío San Miguel (Spanish‑Venezuelan activist)
Detention Began at Sea
The 34‑year‑old journalist was seized in June 2025 while aboard the N35, a Panama‑flagged marine‑exploration vessel tasked with locating World‑War‑II wrecks. On 13 June, the Venezuelan National Armed Forces intercepted the ship 50 nautical miles from the Orinoco delta, accusing the crew of conducting “suspicious scientific investigations.”
After his arrest, Moreno was transferred to the El Rodeo prison, where he spent much of his detention in isolation. Sources close to the journalist say he is now at the Spanish Embassy in Caracas and has already held an emotional phone call with his family in Gran Canaria.
A Seasoned Canary Media Professional
Before his maritime stint, Moreno Dapena built a solid career in journalism. He holds a Master’s degree in International Journalism from the EFE Agency and UNED (class of 2015) and has worked for prominent outlets such as La Provincia, Expansión, and Sport.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares announced that the five Spaniards are expected to fly back to Spain within hours, once consular formalities are completed:
“The five compatriots released today in Venezuela are already on their way to Spain. They will soon be home with their loved ones. I have spoken with them to convey my joy at their release,” he wrote on X.