The interim government announced on January 8 a process of excarceration of an ‘important’ number of political prisoners
The interim president of , , stated this Wednesday (14) that her country “is opening up to a new political moment”, in the midst of a process of excarceration following the downing of in an American bombing raid. under pressure from the United States, after Maduro’s capture on January 3, in a military incursion. “The message is a Venezuela that is opening up to a new political moment, which allows understanding based on divergence and political-ideological diversity,” Rodríguez told journalists at the Miraflores Presidential Palace.
Rodríguez reported 406 releases of political prisoners since December, in a process that, according to her, was initiated by Maduro. But the specialized NGO Foro Penal counts around 180 excarcerations since then, when adding two rounds in December and those released in the current process, which is progressing in a trickle.
A new round of excarcerations took place this Wednesday, in which 17 journalists and press workers were released, including renowned opposition activist Roland Carreño. “We want to inform you that this process has not yet been completed, it remains open”, stated the interim representative.
Rodríguez detailed that the excarceration process includes crimes related to the “constitutional order”, as well as “hatred, violence and intolerance”, and not “serious crimes” such as homicide and drug trafficking.
Hundreds of people were arrested and prosecuted on charges of “incitement to hatred” and “treason against the country”, especially in the context of elections and opposition protests.
*With information from AFP
