Caracas, January 8 — The Venezuelan government began a process of releasing detainees for political reasons this Thursday, as officially confirmed by the president of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodríguez. Rodríguez specified that the releases affect a 'significant number' of citizens who remained in state custody. Operation underway. The head of the Venezuelan parliament avoided providing details about the identities of the beneficiaries or the exact number of those released, although he emphasized the immediate nature of the measure: Immediacy: 'These release processes are happening at this very moment,' stated the official during his media appearance. Social impact: the news generated a rapid reaction from the detainees' families, who are maintaining vigils and protests in Caracas awaiting official confirmations of the names on the release lists. The measure is interpreted by various analysts as an attempt by the remnants of the ruling party to open channels for dialogue or alleviate international pressure, in a week marked by decisive judicial milestones for the Caracas government leadership in US courts. The announcement comes in a context of high international tension following the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces. According to what the Argentine News Agency learned, the ruling official described the measure as a 'gesture for peace' aimed at easing the political crisis the Caribbean nation is going through.
