Venezuela says it has begun mass releases of political prisoners amid ongoing repression

Venezuelan authorities say they have carried out a "mass process of releases" of political prisoners, a move the United States welcomed even as NGOs describe the process as slow and opaque and residents report continued repression across the country. Congressional president Jorge Rodríguez said the releases already amounted to more than 400 people, a figure that includes two rounds of releases on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

NGOs monitoring detentions say far fewer releases have been independently verified: Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón confirmed 157 of 186 announced before, and 82 of 116 that Rodríguez claimed had taken place since last week. NGOs estimate there are still close to 1,000 political prisoners and say many freed people remain charged and are barred from making public statements.

Residents and local media say repression persists: armed militias have been searching mobile phones on the streets and people are afraid to engage in public protest. Local reports said 15 teenagers were detained on 5 January in Barcelona for "celebrating" Maduro’s capture before being released.

Key Topics

Politics, Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, Diosdado Cabello