Venezuelan authorities have released 131 individuals held for political reasons, according to reports from non-governmental organizations. The United States government viewed the move as a positive step towards reconciliation in Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Ministry of Communication and Information announced on social media that the releases occurred following decisions by the national courts, as requested by the Public Ministry. This action was initiated after the government-backed Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, led by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, called for a review of these cases.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted on platform X that the release marks a ‘crucial step in Venezuela’s reconciliation process.’ From January 3, a total of 1,046 Venezuelans have been released. He emphasized that as progress continues in a three-phase plan, the U.S. remains closely monitoring in-person negotiations with interim officials led by Venezuela.
Washington has reiterated its commitment to supporting a three-phase strategy outlined by President Donald Trump aimed at stabilizing Venezuela. This includes economic recovery, political reconciliation, and a peaceful transition in the country, following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro early in the year.
A law granting amnesty was enacted on February 19, shortly after acting president Rodríguez presented it. This was part of efforts to foster national peace. Rodríguez assumed her role on January 5, following a bold U.S. military operation that ousted Maduro in Caracas and took him to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
The releases are part of an Amnesty Law designed to secure the freedom of opposition leaders, unionists, journalists, students, demonstrators, and human rights activists detained for political reasons. The government denies the existence of ‘political prisoners,’ instead accusing detainees of conspiring to destabilize the regimes of former President Hugo Chávez and his successor, Maduro.
According to the respected civil organization Foro Penal, which monitors the rights of detainees in Venezuela, 391 individuals remained incarcerated for political motives as of August 10.