CARACAS — Venezuela released 39 political prisoners between Friday and Saturday after a second round of U.S.-backed talks between the interim government and the opposition, rights groups said, Al Jazeera reported with AFP.
Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón said those freed included eight women accused of “narco-terrorism” in 2021 and six people accused of working with the United States in a 2020 attempt to overthrow former President Nicolás Maduro. The releases followed Friday’s negotiations under interim President Delcy Rodríguez, held with Washington’s approval since Maduro’s military removal in January.
Foro Penal said 344 people remained classified as political prisoners as of September 18, down from 391 on August 10. Rodríguez enacted an amnesty law in February under U.S. pressure, but rights advocates say the pace of releases has been slow. Families have continued protests outside the U.S. embassy in Caracas and El Rodeo I prison.
Sources: Al Jazeera / AFP
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