News|Human RightsVenezuela frees dozens detained during protests against MaduroFamilies celebrate Christmas releases while calling for full freedom of detainees.
Venezuelan authorities have released at least 60 individuals who were detained during protests against President Nicolas Maduro's re-election, according to reports from a human rights advocacy group. Despite these releases, hundreds remain detained.
Venezuelan authorities have released at least 60 individuals who were detained during protests against President Nicolas Maduro's re-election, according to reports from a human rights advocacy group. Despite these releases, hundreds remain detained.
The releases commenced early on Thursday, during the Christmas period, as reported by the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, a group comprised of rights activists and relatives of those detained during unrest following the July presidential election.
President Maduro secured a third term in office following the July 2024 election, a result disputed by segments of the opposition amid allegations of electoral fraud. The contested outcome led to several weeks of demonstrations, during which authorities arrested approximately 2,400 individuals. Rights groups indicate that nearly 2,000 of these detainees have since been released.
The contested outcome led to several weeks of demonstrations, during which authorities arrested approximately 2,400 individuals.
Despite the recent releases, Venezuela continues to hold at least 902 political prisoners, as reported by Foro Penal, a non-governmental organization monitoring detentions.
Many of those released were reportedly held at Tocoron prison, a maximum-security facility located in Aragua state, approximately 134 kilometers (83 miles) from the capital, Caracas. Official statements regarding the conditions of the releases have not been provided.
Relatives of the detainees emphasize the ongoing situation, noting that over 1,000 families still have political prisoners. Andreina Baduel, head of the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, highlighted the continued efforts for the full freedom of those detained. Her father, Raul Isaias Baduel, a former defense minister and once an ally of the late President Hugo Chavez, died in custody in 2021.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.