Venezuela minister denies prisoner releases linked to dialogue talks

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has denied that the recent release of political prisoners is linked to any agreements made during dialogue talks between the government and opposition sectors. Cabello asserted that the topic of prisoner releases has "never" been addressed in the ongoing negotiations.

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the issue of prisoner releases has never been discussed in the ongoing negotiations.

Speaking at a press conference for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Cabello responded to accusations connecting the releases to political discussions. He dismissed the idea that non-governmental organizations or opposition representatives played any role in determining which individuals would be freed. "That has nothing to do with them, nor with NGOs... The issues there are very clear... Never has that been touched upon within the talks," he stated.

The ruling party leader also rejected any involvement from the Penal Forum in decisions regarding the prisoner releases. He questioned the motives behind certain statements about the process, suggesting financial interests. "That has nothing to do with the Penal Forum, with any of that, but they know how they invoice and collect, some collect money and others want to collect politically, that was not a topic, never, never," he expressed.

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That has nothing to do with them, nor with NGOs... The issues there are very clear... Never has that been touched upon within the talks.

Cabello maintained that the matters discussed at the dialogue table are clearly defined, and the ruling party's stance on these issues is also clear. "The topics there are very clear, the proposed topics have been very clear and our position has been very clear," he said. While he avoided offering specific details about the conversations, the PSUV leader reiterated that prisoner releases have not been on the negotiation agenda. "I don't like to comment on that, but what I am saying is the truth, a great truth. If they want to ask, they have their spokespersons, but those topics have never, ever been touched upon within the talks," he reiterated.

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That has nothing to do with the Penal Forum, with any of that, but they know how they invoice and collect, some collect money and others want to collect politically, that was not a topic, never, never.

These statements come as families and human rights organizations continue to pressure the government for clarity on the exact scope of the prisoner releases and the status of Venezuelans still detained for political reasons.

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The topics there are very clear, the proposed topics have been very clear and our position has been very clear.