Venezuela: new releases of political prisoners after negotiations

After the conclusion of the second round of negotiations between the government and the opposition in Venezuela, the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez has started a new wave of releases of political prisoners.

There is talk, according to what various NGOs that follow the situation of the dissidents still locked up in prisons, of at least 40 opponents.

The director of the NGO Foro Penal, Gonzalo Himiob, had informed in the early hours of Saturday of the release of "a significant number of prisoners" which, according to what was found by the organization 'Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón', would have been at least 29.

In the last few hours, the Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners (Clippve) confirmed the release of seven political prisoners who were held in the El Rodeo I penitentiary, in the state of Miranda.

Among the people released after two years spent in prison, there is also the young Gusmaris Zapata, arrested at the age of 18 for having received a photograph of official vehicles on WhatsApp.

“As we celebrate the reunion of prisoners with their families, we remember that dozens of political prisoners have yet to regain their freedom. We will remain firm and organized until we have guaranteed everyone's return home,” says Clippve.

According to the latest count by 'Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón', before the latest releases, 450 dissidents were still locked up in Venezuelan prisons, including 44 women and 20 foreigners.