Venezuela releases 88 more people detained after post-election protests, bringing the total to 187 freed in two weeks amid US pressure.
CARACAS: Venezuela’s government has freed 88 more people detained after protests that followed the July 2024 election.
This marks the second mass release in as many weeks amid pressure from the United States on President Nicolas Maduro’s administration.
The New Year’s Day release follows the government’s announcement that it released 99 people on December 26.
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That brings the total number of people released over the past two weeks to 187.
“These actions are part of the comprehensive review process of cases ordered by President Nicolas Maduro,” the government said in a statement.
The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, a local NGO, said it verified at least 55 prisoners had been released.
All but one of those verified were freed from the Tocoron prison in central Venezuela.
Following the December 26 announcement, several NGOs questioned whether the government released as many people as it claimed.
Venezuelan NGOs estimate around 900 political prisoners are still detained, including people arrested before the election.
Venezuela’s government has said it does not hold political prisoners but rather imprisoned politicians.
It claims those arrested were seeking to destabilize the country.
The releases come amid pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Trump has said it would be smart for Maduro to leave power.
The US has amassed a large military presence in the Caribbean recently.
US forces have killed dozens in strikes on boats near the Venezuelan coast, alleging they were carrying drugs.
The US has also seized two fully loaded Venezuelan crude oil tankers. – Reuters
