Summary
Venezuelan authorities have released over 100 individuals identified as political prisoners, according to a rights group called Foro Penal. The releases are part of a broader effort by acting President Delcy Rodriguez to allow more political diversity following political unrest. The actual number of releases remains uncertain as the rights group challenges the government's reported figures.
Key Facts
- Venezuelan authorities freed over 100 political prisoners on a recent Sunday, according to Foro Penal.
- Among those released were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda and student Juan Francisco Alvarado.
- Kennedy Tejeda had been detained since August 2, 2024, after supporting political prisoners legally.
- Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced the releases as a step toward political change.
- The Venezuelan government claims they have released over 600 prisoners recently.
- Rights groups argue that the actual number of those freed is likely about half of what the government reports.
- Foro Penal reported there were 777 political prisoners in Venezuelan jails as of January 19.
- Delcy Rodriguez plans to speak with the United Nations to verify the number of released prisoners.
