Overview
- Family organizations reported the release of 65 men, 3 women and 3 adolescents from Tocorón, La Crisálida and La Guaira early on December 25.
- The move restarts a release process that relatives said had been stalled since March 2025.
- Authorities had charged many detainees with serious offenses such as terrorism, the government denies holding political prisoners, and no official explanation was issued for the new releases.
- NGO counts of those still jailed for political reasons diverge, with Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón reporting 1,085 cases and Foro Penal listing 902 as of mid‑December.
- Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a general amnesty, while analysts have framed the releases as a gesture under international pressure and ongoing tensions with the United States.