Venezuela: 1,046 detained individuals return home, says Vice President Rodríguez

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez announced that 1,046 detained individuals have returned to their homes, attributing the releases to agreements reached among Venezuelans. She shared the update on the social media platform X, stating, "1,046 compatriots who were deprived of their liberty have returned to their homes within the framework of the agreements reached between Venezuelans. We will continue to move forward responsibly," without providing further specifics.

The figure of 1,046 exact matches a statement made the previous day by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio had indicated that 1,046 Venezuelans had been released from prison since January 3, the date when Venezuelan forces apprehended Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Rubio added that the United States would closely monitor the progress of discussions and the fulfillment of commitments within a three-phase plan aimed at stabilization, recovery, and transition, deeming the process crucial for reconciliation and a new political era in Venezuela.

Previously, a government statement on X reported that 131 individuals were released following court orders requested by the Public Ministry. This action came after the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, established by the acting president, requested a case review. However, opposition leaders, activists, and human rights organizations continue to call for the full release of all political prisoners, with the NGO Foro Penal reporting over 390 such detainees as of Friday.

The Venezuelan government maintains that there are no political prisoners in the country, asserting that all detainees were arrested for committing crimes. This assertion is rejected by various opposition organizations and parties, who maintain their stance on the existence of political prisoners.