Venezuelan authorities released 11 prisoners as of Saturday, following a government pledge on Thursday to free what it described as a significant number of detainees. The releases come amid ongoing calls for the liberation of over 800 individuals still imprisoned, including the son-in-law of an opposition presidential candidate.

Diógenes Angulo, who was detained a year and five months ago, was among those released. Angulo was arrested two days before the 2024 presidential election after posting a video of an opposition demonstration in Barinas, the home state of the late President Hugo Chávez. Upon his release from a prison in San Francisco de Yare, approximately an hour's drive south of Caracas, Angulo expressed gratitude and hope for others still detained. "Thank God, I’m going to enjoy my family again," he told The Associated Press, adding that those remaining in prison were in good spirits and hopeful for their release.

Families of imprisoned individuals gathered outside prisons in Caracas and other communities for a third consecutive day on Saturday, seeking information about potential releases. The government's pledge on Thursday raised expectations, but the slow pace of releases has led to frustration and uncertainty.

The releases occur within a complex political landscape, with the opposition demanding the liberation of political prisoners and the government asserting its commitment to due process. The detention of individuals linked to the opposition has drawn international scrutiny, with human rights organizations and foreign governments calling for fair trials and the release of those unjustly imprisoned.

The situation is further complicated by recent reports that former President Nicolás Maduro was allegedly captured by U.S. forces on Jan. 3 in a nighttime raid in Caracas, according to Angulo.

As of Saturday, the government has not provided a specific timeline for further releases or details regarding the criteria used to determine eligibility for release. The international community and families of the detained continue to monitor the situation, urging the Venezuelan government to uphold its commitment to freeing a significant number of prisoners.