Release of 39 Political Prisoners in Venezuela Following U.S.-Supported Talks

Following talks supported by the United States, a total of 39 political prisoners were released in Venezuela on Friday and Saturday, according to the human rights organization Justice, Meeting, and Forgiveness. Among those released were eight women accused of drug-related terrorism in 2021 and six individuals implicated in the 2020 attempt to overthrow Maduro. According to Foro Penal, as of September 18, there were 344 political prisoners still held in Venezuela, and their families have been protesting in front of the El Rodeo First Prison. (October 2, Caracas)

The human rights organization Justice, Meeting, and Forgiveness confirmed the release of 39 political dissidents held in various prisons across Venezuela after talks between the interim government and the opposition, supported by the United States. The group includes eight women accused of drug-related terrorism acts in 2021. The organization stated on social media that it will continue to advocate for the full freedom of all prisoners still under surveillance and awaiting release.

On Friday, the second phase of negotiations took place between the interim government led by President Delcy Rodríguez and the opposition. These talks, progressing under U.S. approval, began after President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power following a U.S. military operation in January. According to the NGO Foro Penal, there were 344 political prisoners as of September 18 in Venezuela. Family members of these prisoners have been protesting in front of the El Rodeo First Prison, which U.S. embassies and NGOs have described as a torture center. Among those freed are six individuals accused of collaborating with the United States in the 2020 effort to depose Maduro. Under U.S. pressure, Rodríguez enacted an amnesty law in February, but progress in releasing political prisoners has been slow.