Venezuela's acting president claimed the regime's release of political prisoners signaled a new era for the country, days after the seizure and rendition of Nicolás Maduro. The announcement followed the release of an unspecified number of political prisoners, though non-governmental organizations (NGOs) estimate that close to 1,000 political prisoners remain in Venezuelan custody.
Delcy Rodríguez, in a speech alongside her brother, who is widely believed to share power with her, vowed to continue the releases. She accused NGOs that have criticized the process as slow and opaque of spreading falsehoods about Venezuela. "The message is very clear: it is a Venezuela opening up to a new political moment that allows understanding amid divergence and ideological political diversity," Rodríguez stated.
The release of political prisoners is a complex issue in Venezuela, with human rights organizations long documenting the detention of individuals for political reasons. These detentions have often been criticized for lacking due process and for occurring in harsh conditions. The exact number of political prisoners has been a point of contention, with the government often disputing figures provided by NGOs.
The claim of a "new political moment" comes after a period of significant political turmoil in Venezuela, marked by economic crisis, widespread protests, and international pressure on the Maduro regime. The recent seizure and rendition of Maduro adds another layer of complexity to the situation, potentially opening the door for political reforms and a transition to a more democratic government.
However, skepticism remains among human rights advocates and international observers. They point to the large number of remaining political prisoners and the lack of transparency in the release process as reasons to be cautious. The pace and scope of future releases, as well as the conditions under which they occur, will be crucial in determining whether the regime's claims of a new era are genuine. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the Venezuelan government to uphold human rights and ensure a fair and transparent political process.
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