Venezuela Frees 116 Political Prisoners in Government Move
Venezuela Frees 116 Political Prisoners in Government Move
Venezuela reports 116 political prisoners freed as part of a government-initiated release, while rights groups cite lower counts and call for transparency.
Venezuela announced on Monday that 116 political prisoners had been released since the government said last week it would begin freeing detainees held for acts related to disrupting the constitutional order and undermining the nation's stability. The Ministry of the Penitentiary Service released a statement putting the total at 116, even as rights groups and opposition sources question the numbers.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has begun releasing prisoners, saying a 'large' number would follow as a gesture of appeasement, a move Washington has praised.
Since the start of the releases, rights group Foro Penal has tallied at least 41 people freed, contrasting with the government’s higher count.
The moves come amid tensions between the administration and opposition, and some observers see them as a bipartisan gesture aimed at easing criticisms while avoiding further strain on the state.
Rights advocates warn that the figures may reflect selective releases and call for full transparency and due process for those detained.
