Foro Penal confirms release of 72 political prisoners in Venezuela

At least 72 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela, a process that began Friday after the first round of negotiations between opposition representatives and the government concluded. Foro Penal, a Venezuelan non-governmental organization, confirmed the number of releases on Saturday morning.

Foro Penal's vice president, Gonzalo Himiob, announced on social media that 55 men and 17 women had been freed. He stated that the organization was continuing to verify the process. Initial reports from NGOs monitoring political detainees indicated that the first releases took place at the Yare II, Rodeo I, and INOF (National Institute for Women's Guidance) detention centers.

The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Information, announced that a total of 131 individuals would receive "alternative measures to deprivation of liberty." The ministry stated that these measures were agreed upon by the Republic's courts at the Public Ministry's request. This followed a program's request for the Penal Justice System to evaluate the legal status of individuals prosecuted or convicted for offenses related to undermining democratic institutions, peace, and national development.