Venezuela has reportedly freed at least 80 political prisoners, a decision that many attribute to pressure from the United States.Alfredo Romero, head of the human rights group Foro Penal, stated that they are in the process of verifying the identities of those released from various prisons across the country.
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bbc.comThe release follows a recent military operation in which US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and took him to New York to face drug-trafficking charges.
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bbc.compbs.orgThis dramatic shift in Venezuela's political landscape has prompted the government to respond with concessions aimed at appeasing both domestic and international critics.Families of detainees had been gathering outside prisons, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones.Among those released was Diógenes Angulo, who was detained prior to the 2024 presidential elections for filming an opposition demonstration.
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pbs.orgHis emotional reunion with family underscores the human impact of these political moves.While Venezuelan authorities claim that over 600 prisoners have been freed, Foro Penal has contested this figure, suggesting it has been inflated.
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bbc.comRomero indicated that the number of releases could still rise as they continue their verification process.
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bbc.comThe releases are seen as part of a broader strategy by the Venezuelan government to navigate the political fallout from Maduro's abduction.US President Donald Trump praised the developments, asserting that the release of political prisoners was a direct result of Washington's demand.
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pbs.orgHe also emphasized the importance of these actions in the context of US-Venezuela relations.In response to the releases, Venezuelan officials have described their actions as gestures aimed at seeking peace with the US However, critics argue that the government has not done enough to address the broader issue of political imprisonment in the country.
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cnn.compbs.orgAs of now, Foro Penal reports that approximately 804 individuals remain imprisoned for political reasons.
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pbs.orgThe ongoing situation has drawn attention from human rights organizations, with many calling for the unconditional release of all political prisoners.
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cnn.comThe UN's Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela has also welcomed the releases, though it noted that these numbers fall short of the country's human rights obligations.
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cnn.comFamilies of those still detained continue to express their frustration at the lack of transparency regarding the identities of those released and the conditions under which they have been freed.Many families have been camping outside detention centers, desperate for any news or evidence of life from their loved ones.
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cnn.comThe situation in Venezuela remains complex, with ongoing tensions between the government and opposition groups.As the international community watches closely, the recent releases signify both a glimmer of hope for some families and a reminder of the ongoing human rights challenges that persist in the country.
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aljazeera.compbs.orgThe future of political prisoners in Venezuela remains uncertain, and while some families celebrate reunions, many others continue to fight for the release of their loved ones still behind bars.The actions taken by the Venezuelan government may reflect a shift in strategy, but they also highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights and democracy in the nation.
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bbc.compbs.orgAs international scrutiny continues, the hope for broader reforms and the complete release of political prisoners remains a pressing issue for Venezuelans and the global community alike.
