Venezuela announces new popular consultation amid disputed political prisoner releases

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a new National Popular Consultation scheduled for October 11. This initiative aims to empower communities to define public works projects that will receive government funding. Rodríguez stated that this process consolidates Venezuela's democratic path.

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It is also a way for us to consolidate our democratic path.

The consultation was initially planned for July 12 but was postponed following a series of significant earthquakes on June 24. During a related event, Rodríguez distributed reconstruction credits to 157 condominiums in Caracas affected by the tremors, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. She also reported on the completion of other building recovery projects.

Rodríguez also reported that 1,046 individuals detained for political reasons have been released since January, aligning with dialogue between the government and opposition sectors supported by the United States. "Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to national reconciliation," she stated on X, adding that these "compatriots" have returned home as part of agreements reached among Venezuelans.

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Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to national reconciliation. 1046 compatriots who were deprived of liberty have returned to their homes within the framework of agreements reached among Venezuelans. We will continue to advance responsibly.

However, human rights organizations have questioned the government's figures. Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights group, initially verified the release of 72 political prisoners, with its director, Gonzalo Himiob, confirming 55 men and 17 women. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Rodríguez's figure, calling the releases a "crucial step for the reconciliation process."

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We can confirm the release of 72 political prisoners: 55 men and 17 women.

The Venezuelan government maintains that those detained were imprisoned for conspiracies against the state, not for political reasons. The releases follow U.S.-brokered talks between opposition factions and the interim government, initiated after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January. Rodríguez, who assumed the presidency thereafter, also promoted an Amnesty Law in February to facilitate the release of opponents, unionists, journalists, students, and activists.

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a crucial step for the reconciliation process.