Over 100 political prisoners freed
Authorities in Venezuela have announced the release of over 100 political prisoners according to the rights organization Foro Penal. The group reported that at least 104 prisoners were freed on Sunday with the number potentially increasing as verification continues. Among those released were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda who was imprisoned in 2024 after visiting clients at a detention facility and Juan Francisco Alvarado, a communications student.
Tejeda, a human rights activist had last been seen on August 2, 2024 when he visited a detention center in Carabobo to provide legal assistance to political prisoners. Foro Penal’s executive director Alfredo Romero confirmed Tejeda’s release stating that he is now back with his family. Romero emphasized the ongoing efforts to verify further releases and called on the government to publish official lists of those freed.
Gonzalo Himiob, Foro Penal’s vice president indicated that the number of released prisoners is likely not final and could rise further. This development follows a promise by Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez to release prisoners detained under Nicolás Maduro’s government. Rodriguez, speaking after Maduro’s recent abduction by U.S. special forces described the releases as the start of a “new political moment” that allows for greater political and ideological diversity.
In recent weeks, the Venezuelan government has claimed to have released more than 600 prisoners, including Rafael Tudares Bracho, the son-in-law of opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez. However, rights groups have challenged these figures with Foro Penal estimating that only about half as many individuals have actually been freed.
Rodriguez announced plans to discuss the prisoner releases with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, seeking UN confirmation of the government’s claims. As of January 19, Foro Penal reported that there were approximately 777 political prisoners in Venezuelan jails.
