Venezuela’s reported prisoner releases follow government-opposition talks
Human rights group Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón says 39 dissidents were freed after negotiations held with US approval.
Venezuelan human rights group Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón (JEP) says 39 political dissidents were released from prisons between Friday and Saturday, following a second round of talks between the interim government and opposition.
JEP said those freed included eight women accused of “narco-terrorism” in 2021 and six people accused of involvement in a 2020 attempt to overthrow former president Nicolás Maduro. The allegations are not findings of guilt.
The talks were held with US approval. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president, enacted an amnesty law in February under US pressure, but releases have proceeded slowly.
Foro Penal said 344 people remained classified as political prisoners on 18 September, down from 391 on 10 August. The government separately reported releasing 131 people under an “alternative measures” programme; the figures may cover different categories.
JEP said it would continue pressing for the release of those still detained. Its count and details of the releases have not been independently confirmed.
