Venezuela frees 64 political prisoners after talks
In Venezuela, dozens of political prisoners were released following negotiations between the government and the opposition. Venezuelan authorities announced the commutation of bail for 131 detainees.
Consensus
- The Venezuelan government and part of the opposition reached an agreement on judicial reform.
- The agreement includes replacing all members of the Supreme Court.
- The government announced the easing of restrictions for 131 detainees two days after the talks concluded.
- At least 64 political prisoners were confirmed released by human rights organizations.
- The release was not full freedom; some restrictions remain, including court appearances and travel bans.
- The U.S. supported the negotiations and praised the releases as a step toward national reconciliation.
- The Supreme Court reform will be implemented starting in August.
- The government did not acknowledge the detainees as political prisoners.
- Foro Penal reported 391 political prisoners before the releases.
Points of divergence
- The opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was not involved in the talks. — novaya_eu
- The government claims the released individuals were not political prisoners, and the U.S. stated over a thousand Venezuelans have been released since January 3, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. — tg_echoonline_news
- Emirlendris Benítez, a woman sentenced to 30 years for allegedly attempting to assassinate Maduro with drones in 2018, was among those released and left prison in a wheelchair. — tg_echoonline_news
- The release of political prisoners was not part of the agreement, though the opposition had demanded it from the start. — novaya_eu
- The interim government is led by Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed presidential duties after Maduro's capture on January 3. — tg_echoonline_news
Coverage (2 sources)
- Venezuelan authorities and opposition agree on judicial reform and partial release of political prisoners — Новая газета Европа
- In Venezuela, dozens of political prisoners are being released after talks between authorities and opposition — ЭХО / Новости