Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners as Interim Leader Asserts Sovereignty

Rights groups have logged more than 800 arrests since the disputed 2024 vote.

Overview

  • Interim president Jorge Rodríguez said the government has begun freeing many political prisoners, including foreigners, without specifying how many.
  • Rodríguez pledged to work for the release and return of detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, reiterating loyalty to them.
  • At a memorial event, Rodríguez condemned what he called a U.S. attack on January 3, with the government reporting about 100 deaths among soldiers and civilians.
  • He announced plans on state television to repair damaged military facilities and urged national unity during what he called a very delicate period.
  • The push comes after years of repression under Maduro’s rule, with human-rights organizations reporting more than 800 detentions of opponents and journalists.