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. The Maduro regime has consistently denied the existence of political prisoners, referring to those released as citizens.
The 2024 election, which saw Nicolás Maduro remain in power, has been widely criticized as fraudulent. International observers and opposition parties have cited irregularities and a lack of transparency in the electoral process. The protests that followed resulted in numerous arrests and accusations of human rights abuses by the government.
The releases come amid increasing military pressure from the U.S., though the specific nature of this pressure was not detailed in the government's statement. Relations between Venezuela and the U.S. have been strained for years, with the U.S. imposing sanctions on Venezuelan officials and entities in response to concerns about democracy and human rights.
The identity of those released and the specific charges against them have not been publicly disclosed. It remains unclear whether further releases are planned or what conditions, if any, were attached to the release of the 99 individuals.
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