Venezuela Frees Another 88 Political Prisoners After Christmas Release
Venezuela releases 88 more political prisoners detained after disputed 2024 election protests.
The Venezuelan government has announced the release of 88 political prisoners who were detained during protests that followed President Nicolás Maduro’s controversial electoral victory in July 2024. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Penitentiary Service through a statement posted on Instagram, describing the move as part of a broader review of post-election cases.
According to the ministry, the releases were carried out under directives issued by President Maduro and relate to individuals accused of committing “crimes” during demonstrations challenging the election outcome. Officials said the decision reflects an ongoing case-by-case reassessment of detentions linked to the unrest that swept the country last year.
This latest development follows a similar move just days earlier, when the Maduro administration freed 99 political prisoners on Christmas Day. At the time, the government framed the decision as “a concrete expression of the State’s commitment to peace, dialogue and justice,” signaling an attempt to ease political tensions both domestically and internationally.
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Venezuela was rocked by widespread protests in July 2024 after Maduro was declared president for a third consecutive term. The opposition rejected the results, claiming victory for former ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia, who has since gone into exile. In the aftermath, authorities detained more than 2,400 protesters, with nearly 2,000 reportedly released through presidential pardons over time.
Despite the recent releases, rights groups estimate that more than 900 political prisoners remain incarcerated across Venezuela. Critics argue that while the government’s actions suggest moderation, systemic repression continues, and the releases have not been accompanied by meaningful political reforms or accountability.
The developments come amid strained relations between Venezuela and the United States, including allegations of drug trafficking links involving Maduro’s government. As Washington increases pressure through sanctions and military activity in the region, Maduro has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, seeking to project a conciliatory image while rejecting claims of foreign attempts to destabilise his rule.
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