Interim Venezuelan Authorities Free Several U.S. Citizens, State Department Says

Venezuela’s interim government freed several U.S. citizens who had been imprisoned in the country, the State Department said on Tuesday. The releases were the first known U.S. citizens freed after American forces captured President Nicolás Maduro and flew him to the United States to face trial.

“We welcome the release of detained Americans in Venezuela,” the State Department said in a statement, calling it “an important step.” At least three Americans had been freed as of Tuesday night, according to a person briefed on the events who spoke anonymously because of the sensitivities around the diplomacy.

Among them was one American held in a prison in Caracas; further details about the individuals were not immediately available. Bloomberg initially reported the release, the Times said. Rights groups estimate that 800 to 900 political prisoners remain in Venezuela. Foro Penal, the country’s leading human rights organization, said several detainees from Italy and Spain had been released in recent days but criticized the interim government’s promise of a “mass” release after only 56 political prisoners were freed so far.

The Times reported that under Mr. Maduro’s government international prisoners were often used as bargaining chips and held on vague charges like terrorism or espionage.

Key Topics

World, Delcy Rodriguez, Nicolas Maduro, Caracas, Foro Penal, El Helicoide