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, stated that his organization is currently verifying the identities of those freed from prisons across the country, indicating that more releases are anticipated.
This release marks the latest development following the US's recent actions concerning Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who was seized and taken to New York to face drug-trafficking charges earlier this month.
On Friday, interim President Delcy Rodriguez claimed that over 600 prisoners had been released; however, Foro Penal disputes this figure, calling it inflated.
Romero announced the releases via social media, sharing an image of a colleague, Kennedy Tejeda, who had been imprisoned in Tocorón since August 2024.
According to Foro Penal lawyer Gonzalo Himiob, the number of releases may surpass 80 as they continue their verification process.
Foro Penal also reported that many of those released did not have charges against them dropped, leaving them in a legal limbo and unable to speak publicly.
Prior to this latest event, the organization confirmed just 156 political prisoner releases since January 8.
Release among those confirmed includes opposition figures and at least five nationals from Spain.
Separately, Rodriguez has announced a planned discussion with the UN's Human Rights Commissioner, Volker Turk, seeking verification of the released individuals.
Human rights activists have long accused the Venezuelan government of using imprisonment as a means to silence dissent, a claim the government denies, asserting that those detained were involved in criminal activities.
Countless arrests followed the controversial 2024 presidential elections, where Maduro declared victory amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud.
