Venezuela Says It Freed 99 Post‑Election Detainees on Christmas

Overview

• The Ministry of Penitentiary Services announced 99 releases after case‑by‑case judicial assessments that granted precautionary measures.
• Local monitors disputed the total, with Clippve citing at least 60 releases and Foro Penal confirming 45 as of their latest verification.
• Activists said many of those freed must comply with conditions such as regular court check‑ins, meaning they are not fully free.
• Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness reported the release of 65‑year‑old physician Marggie Orozco, who had been convicted over an audio message criticizing Nicolás Maduro.
• Foro Penal estimates at least 902 political prisoners remain, and opposition leader María Corina Machado reported threats against detainees held at El Rodeo prison.