Venezuela Releases More Prisoners Amid US Pressure Campaign

Venezuela Releases Dozens of Prisoners Amid Ongoing Tensions

The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has released at least 87 prisoners held for participating in protests following his disputed victory in the country’s 2024 election. This is the second release within a week, according to reports from rights groups.

The releases were confirmed by two organizations, the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners and the Committee of Mothers in Defense of the Truth. The government had previously announced the release of 99 prisoners on December 25, but some observers have questioned the accuracy of this claim.

Maduro’s administration has been under pressure from the United States, with President Donald Trump accusing him of running a drug trafficking operation aimed at destabilizing the US. The Pentagon has surged military assets off the coast of Venezuela since August, and the US has blockaded sanctioned oil tankers entering and exiting the country.

The disputed election has resulted in widespread protests, with at least 28 deaths and thousands of arrests reported. Official records show that over 2,000 people have been released from prison, while more than 700 remain held for political reasons.

Maria Corina Machado, opposition leader who was banned from standing in the election, recently emerged from hiding in Oslo, Norway. She has vocally supported the US pressure campaign against Maduro’s government. The situation remains tense, with Venezuela experts warning that many opposition groups oppose US military action.

Source: Al Jazeera