Venezuela to free 'an important number' of political prisoners, government says

Venezuela’s government announced the release of what it described as “an important number” of political prisoners, both Venezuelan and foreign nationals, on Thursday, the first ostensible gesture of change by the new administration since the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro. Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, did not specify how many people would be freed but said the releases would take place “in the next few hours.” He described the decision as “a unilateral gesture to reinforce our unwavering decision to consolidate peace in the republic and peaceful coexistence among all.” Prisoners’ rights groups estimate that between 800 and 900 political prisoners are incarcerated in Venezuela and say most are charged with crimes such as incitement of hate, conspiring to overthrow the government or terrorism for simply exercising basic political rights.

Martha Tineo of the human rights group Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón said some of the first to be freed would be held in El Helicoide; her organization urged the release of every prisoner and said a full implementation could be a necessary step toward restoring democracy and human rights.

The announcement came amid continued reports of interrogations, detentions on the streets and recent, limited reprieves — rights groups said at least 80 political prisoners were released last week and others in late December.

Key Topics

World, Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, Delcy Rodríguez, El Helicoide, Foro Penal