Rubio links release of political prisoners to U.S. three-phase plan for Venezuela

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has welcomed the recent release of more than 130 political prisoners in Venezuela, characterizing it as a significant stride toward national reconciliation. Rubio stated on social media that the U.S. continues to closely monitor the ongoing talks between the Venezuelan government and a sector of the opposition.

"The recent release of over 130 political prisoners in Venezuela is a crucial step for the nation's reconciliation process. Since January 3rd, 1,046 Venezuelans have been released," Rubio wrote on X. He emphasized that as the U.S. advances its three-phase plan for Venezuela, it maintains close observation of the dialogue.

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The recent release of over 130 political prisoners in Venezuela is a crucial step for the nation's reconciliation process. Since January 3rd, 1,046 Venezuelans have been released.

The Venezuelan government announced alternative measures to pre-trial detention for 131 individuals. According to an official statement, these decisions were made by courts at the request of the Public Ministry, following an assessment within the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence. Human rights organizations began verifying the identities of those freed, with the Foro Penal initially confirming 17 releases and later updating the count.

These releases were not part of the official agreements announced at the conclusion of the first cycle of talks between the government and the delegation of the National Assembly elected in 2015. While the freeing of political prisoners was a key demand from families and human rights groups prior to the talks, it was not included in the finalized accords, which focused on the renewal of the Supreme Court of Justice and the recovery of Venezuelan assets abroad.

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As we continue to advance the three-phase plan, the United States continues to closely monitor the process led by Venezuela of face-to-face conversations with interim authorities.