The announcement marks what the Maduro regime characterized as the largest release of political prisoners this year. The administration maintains that those released were citizens, not political prisoners, freed early Christmas Day. The 2024 election is widely believed by critics to have been rigged in favor of Nicolás Maduro.
Civil society organizations responded to the news with caution, emphasizing that the releases were insufficient. These organizations estimate that at least 900 political prisoners remain in Venezuela. They also noted a discrepancy between the government's narrative and the reality on the ground.
The releases occurred amid increasing military pressure from the U.S., though the Venezuelan government did not explicitly link the two events. The U.S. has long condemned Maduro's government for human rights abuses and electoral irregularities.
The Maduro regime has consistently denied the existence of political prisoners in Venezuela. International human rights organizations, however, have documented numerous cases of individuals detained for political reasons, often subjected to unfair trials and harsh prison conditions. The ongoing situation continues to draw international scrutiny, with many calling for further releases and greater respect for human rights within Venezuela.
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