Venezuelan Authorities Release 131 Political Detainees

Venezuelan authorities have released 131 political detainees, as reported on Friday by NGOs. The United States government views this move as a positive step for national reconciliation.

The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information announced on social media that these releases were authorized by the country’s courts at the request of the Public Ministry. The governmental Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, created by acting President Delcy Rodríguez, requested a case review.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on X that the release of over 130 political prisoners is a significant step in the country’s reconciliation process. Since January 3, a total of 1,046 Venezuelans have been freed.

Rubio highlighted that the United States is closely monitoring the three-phase plan led by interim Venezuelan authorities. This plan, initially backed by President Donald Trump, aims to stabilize Venezuela following Nicolás Maduro’s capture earlier this year. It focuses on economic recovery, political reconciliation, and peaceful transition.

A newly sanctioned amnesty law aims to foster national coexistence. This law was introduced by acting President Rodríguez on February 19, following her inauguration on January 5. Her rise to power came after a decisive U.S. military operation that removed and captured Maduro in Caracas, relocating him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.

The amnesty law facilitates the release of opposition leaders, unionists, journalists, students, protesters, and human rights activists imprisoned for political reasons. The government denies the existence of political prisoners, accusing detainees of conspiracy against the policies of Hugo Chávez and his successor, Maduro.

According to Foro Penal, a notable civil organization monitoring detainees’ rights in Venezuela, 391 people remained imprisoned for political reasons as of August 10.