The Venezuelan Public Ministry announced the release of 956 people who were detained during protests against the re-election of President Nicolás Maduro. These arrests occurred amid demonstrations that followed the proclamation of the dictator’s victory for a third six-year term. In total, more than 2,400 protesters were arrested on charges of terrorism and incitement to hatred and taken to maximum security prisons. News of the releases was released just before Christmas in response to appeals from family and friends of detainees, who have held protests and vigils in recent weeks.
Last Friday (20), 200 arrests were revoked, adding to 179 releases that occurred throughout the week and another 300 carried out since November. The protests began after the opposition, led by María Corina Machado, stated that candidate Edmundo Gonzales had won the elections. Maduro’s victory was not recognized by the United States, the European Union and several Latin American countries. Non-governmental organizations and families of detainees reported that many protesters were arrested without a court order and reported cases of ill-treatment and torture during incarceration.
The situation in Venezuela continues to be a point of international tension, with the global community closely watching political and social developments in the country. The recent releases can be seen as a gesture of appeasement on the part of the government, but allegations of abuses and the lack of international recognition of Maduro’s election maintain the climate of uncertainty and instability. The opposition and human rights groups continue to press for more transparency and justice, as the government tries to consolidate its position amid internal and external criticism.
*With information from Grieco Holtz
*Report produced with the help of AI
