Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Venezuela Claims 116 Political Prisoner Releases as NGOs and UN Count Far Fewer

UN investigators demand immediate, unconditional freedom for an estimated 800 detainees, criticizing opaque release procedures.

Overview

  • The penitentiary ministry announced 116 overnight excarcerations without publishing names and said a permanent case review is underway, adding to a government-claimed 303 releases since December 2025.
  • Foro Penal confirmed 24 overnight releases and rights monitors say only dozens have been freed so far, with the UN mission estimating roughly 50 in total to date.
  • The UN independent fact-finding mission urged transparency, citing the absence of official lists and unclear criteria for phased releases.
  • Foreign nationals were among those freed, including Italians Alberto Trentini and Mario Burló, whose return was acknowledged by Italy’s prime minister.
  • Families and NGOs report last‑minute notifications and detainees being left outside facilities as the process continues under interim leader Delcy Rodríguez following Maduro’s capture by the United States.