Caracas authorities announced the release of 131 individuals detained for political reasons, according to non-governmental organizations. The United States government declared this move as aligning with the reconciliation efforts in the country.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information conveyed on social media that the releases were sanctioned by national courts upon the request of the Public Ministry. This followed a review requested by the governmental Peace and Democratic Coexistence Program, initiated by acting leader Delcy Rodríguez.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized on platform X that the recent release marks a vital step in Venezuela’s reconciliation process. Since January 3, a total of 1,046 Venezuelans have been freed. Rubio noted that the United States remains committed to a three-phase plan, actively monitoring in-person discussions with interim authorities led by Venezuela.
Washington has consistently reiterated its dedication to supporting President Donald Trump’s three-phase plan to stabilize Venezuela. This plan follows the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro early in the year and focuses on economic recovery, political reconciliation, and peaceful transition in the nation.
A law of amnesty was passed on February 19, shortly after acting President Rodríguez proposed it in an effort to achieve national coexistence. Rodríguez was sworn in on January 5, following a daring U.S. military operation that deposed and detained Maduro in Caracas, transferring him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The releases are part of the Amnesty Law aimed at the massive release of opposition leaders, union members, journalists, students, demonstrators, and human rights activists detained for political reasons. The government insists there are no ‘political prisoners,’ accusing the detainees of conspiring to destabilize the governments of the late President Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) and his successor, Maduro (2013-2026).
According to Foro Penal, a renowned civil organization monitoring the rights of those imprisoned in Venezuela, 391 individuals remained detained for political reasons as of August 10.