Venezuela opposition demands clarity on political prisoner release numbers

Venezuelan opposition leader Dinorah Figuera has called for transparency regarding the number of political prisoners released, pointing to a significant gap between the government's announcements and the figures verified by human rights organizations.

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In a country that advances towards democratic transition there should be no political prisoners. Clarity is urgently needed regarding official figures, in contrast to what has been verified by human rights organizations that follow the process.

Figuera, president of the 2015 elected National Assembly, stated on social media that "a country moving towards democratic transition should not have political prisoners." She urged for clarity on official numbers, contrasting them with those confirmed by human rights groups monitoring the process. "We are vigilant and making efforts for releases to occur. It is a great national demand that all political prisoners be freed, and that the freedom be complete," she added.

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We are vigilant and making efforts for releases to occur. It is a great national demand that all political prisoners be freed, and that the freedom be complete.

The NGO Foro Penal reported on Sunday that it had confirmed the release of at least 78 political prisoners in Venezuela as of 9:30 a.m. The organization's vice president, Gonzalo Himiob, shared this update via social media, emphasizing that the figure represents only cases directly corroborated by Foro Penal.

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Until this moment, since August 14, at Foro Penal we have been able to confirm the release of 78 political prisoners. We continue reviewing and verifying.

This number contrasts with the government's claim, communicated through a statement by Minister of Communication and Information Miguel Pérez Pirela, that 131 individuals would receive "alternative measures to deprivation of liberty." The government stated these measures were agreed upon by courts at the Public Ministry's request, following an evaluation of individuals processed or convicted for offenses against democratic institutions. The "Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence" reiterated its commitment to supporting government and civil society initiatives aimed at national reconciliation and peace.

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The aforementioned measures were agreed upon by the Republic's courts, at the request of the Public Ministry, after this Program requested the bodies of the Criminal Justice System to evaluate the legal situation of persons processed or convicted for crimes related to various attacks against democratic institutions, the peace and development of the Republic.