A leading Venezuelan human rights group says at least 80 political prisoners have been released under pressure from the US. Alfredo Romero, head of Foro Penal, said his group was verifying the identities of those freed from prisons across the country on Saturday - and more releases were likely to take place. It is the latest batch of detainees released since the US seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a raid, and took him to New York to stand trial on drug-trafficking charges earlier this month.
On Friday, Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that more than 600 prisoners had been freed, but Foro Penal claims this figure has been inflated. Romero announced the releases on social media and shared an image of a jailed colleague. Foro Penal lawyers are optimistic the number of releases could increase as they verify identities.
Previously, Foro Penal indicated that many freed individuals still face unresolved charges, leaving them in a state of legal limbo and restricting their public discourse. Since January 8, the organization confirmed the release of 156 political prisoners. Among those released are domestic opposition figures and several Spanish nationals.
Delcy Rodriguez is set to engage with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to request UN verification of releases. Human rights advocates continue to accuse the Venezuelan government of leveraging detentions to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies, asserting that arrests were made for criminal activities. Many detainees were imprisoned following the disputed 2024 presidential election, which saw Maduro claim victory despite widespread opposition and international disapproval.
On Friday, Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that more than 600 prisoners had been freed, but Foro Penal claims this figure has been inflated. Romero announced the releases on social media and shared an image of a jailed colleague. Foro Penal lawyers are optimistic the number of releases could increase as they verify identities.
Previously, Foro Penal indicated that many freed individuals still face unresolved charges, leaving them in a state of legal limbo and restricting their public discourse. Since January 8, the organization confirmed the release of 156 political prisoners. Among those released are domestic opposition figures and several Spanish nationals.
Delcy Rodriguez is set to engage with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to request UN verification of releases. Human rights advocates continue to accuse the Venezuelan government of leveraging detentions to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies, asserting that arrests were made for criminal activities. Many detainees were imprisoned following the disputed 2024 presidential election, which saw Maduro claim victory despite widespread opposition and international disapproval.
