At least 80 political prisoners released in Venezuela, with more expected, as the new government works to fulfil its pledge to free Maduro opponents.
CARACAS: At least 80 political prisoners were freed in Venezuela on Sunday as detainees are slowly released under pressure from the United States.
The non-governmental organisation Foro Penal confirmed the releases, which took place in the early hours at jails nationwide.
The group’s director Alfredo Romero said on X that the NGO was verifying the identities of those released.
“This figure is not yet definitive and could increase as we proceed with verifications,” said Foro Penal attorney Gonzalo Himiob.
He added that it was “likely that more releases will take place.”
The government of interim leader Delcy Rodriguez has promised to release a “large number” of the hundreds of opponents of former president Nicolas Maduro languishing in prison.
Authorities in Caracas say they have freed 626 detainees since December.
Foro Penal has only recorded about half as many releases in that time.
Venezuela’s political opposition and human rights groups have criticised the slow unfolding of the process.
Loved ones of detainees have been camped out outside prisons waiting for their release.