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3h ago

Venezuela Says 116 Prisoners Freed as Rights Groups Report Far Fewer

The disputed count reflects releases under US pressure following Maduro's capture.

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Relatives of political detainees wait outside Zone 7 of the Bolivarian National Police after spending the night there in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
Relatives wait outside Zone 7 of the Bolivarian National Police, where political detainees are held, after spending the night there in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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Overview

  • The Penitentiary Services Ministry said 116 people detained for actions against the constitutional order were freed in recent hours.
  • Rights group Foro Penal verified only 41 releases as of Monday, with NGOs estimating 800 to 1,200 political detainees still behind bars.
  • Relatives waiting at El Rodeo and El Helicoide reported opaque procedures, saying some freed detainees were taken out of sight or changed into civilian clothes.
  • U.S. leverage shaped the moves, with envoys in Caracas discussing a return of the U.S. embassy and President Trump courting oil investment tied to Venezuela.
  • Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met Pope Leo XIV seeking support for further releases, while UN fact-finders said the current pace falls far short of obligations.