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Venezuela Frees Small, Disputed Number of Detainees After Sweeping Pledge

Reports from NGOs and opposition leaders show only modest progress as hundreds remain jailed.

Overview

  • Foro Penal counted roughly 11 to 12 releases by Saturday, the opposition tallied between 17 and 22, and other media listed 16 as of late Saturday night.
  • Among those freed were five Spanish citizens who flew to Madrid and prominent Venezuelans including Rocío San Miguel, Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri.
  • Human-rights groups say more than 800 people remain imprisoned for political reasons, and families have maintained overnight vigils outside El Rodeo I and El Helicoide.
  • Several newly freed detainees were told not to discuss their cases publicly, indicating conditional releases with restrictions on speech and activity.
  • Caracas confirmed the reopening of formal communications with the United States with delegations exchanged, as Maduro remains in U.S. custody facing a narcotrafficking case.