After a wave of arrests following the July 28, 2024 presidential election, Venezuela has begun releasing political prisoners. On Thursday, the Ministry of Penitentiary Services announced that 99 individuals detained after the vote had been freed under precautionary measures. The move follows a broader program that, since last year, has led to the release of more than 2,000 people, according to the Venezuelan Prosecutor’s Office. Although the Maduro administration insists the country is free of political prisoners, NGOs and opposition groups still claim many detainees were wrongfully charged. The Ministry said the state guarantees humane treatment and will continue working for peace, justice, and national sovereignty.
"The National Government and the Justice system have made the decision to evaluate each case individually and grant, in accordance with the law, precautionary measures, which has allowed the release of 99 citizens, as a concrete expression of the State’s commitment to peace, dialogue and justice," the document states.
"The Bolivarian Government will continue to work firmly and responsibly for peace, justice and the defense of national sovereignty," the statement concludes.
