Venezuela confirms release of 1,046 detainees after political agreements

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced that 1,046 individuals previously detained have returned home. She stated this release occurred "within the framework of agreements reached between Venezuelans" and vowed to "continue advancing with responsibility." The exact figure matches a statement made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reported that 1,046 Venezuelans had been freed since January 3. Rubio indicated the U.S. would "closely monitor" the progress of talks and adherence to a three-phase plan aimed at stabilization, recovery, and transition.

While the government stated that 131 releases were "agreed by the republic's courts at the Public Ministry's request," following an evaluation by the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, human rights organizations are pushing for the release of more than 390 political prisoners. The NGO Foro Penal reported this figure in its latest bulletin. The Venezuelan government denies the existence of political prisoners, asserting that detainees were held for committing crimes, a claim disputed by opposition groups and parties.