Venezuela opposition demands list of freed political prisoners

The opposition party Primero Justicia has demanded that the Venezuelan government immediately publish a list of the 131 political prisoners who have been released or are slated for release. The party stated on its X account that "all of Venezuela and the families deserve transparency, certainty, and peace."

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We demand the immediate publication of an official list with the 131 names of each political prisoner who was or will be released.

Primero Justicia highlighted that the government has not yet provided the list or the conditions under which the prisoners were freed, a recurring demand from organizations and families during previous release processes. According to the NGO Foro Penal, the opposition continues to call for the liberation of all political prisoners, numbering over 390.

The releases are reportedly a result of negotiations facilitated by the United States. While the government announced 131 releases, Foro Penal confirmed 72 by Saturday morning, with ongoing verification. A government statement indicated the releases were agreed upon by the courts at the Public Ministry's request, following an evaluation by the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence.

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All of Venezuela and the families deserve transparency, certainty, and peace.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the announcement a "crucial step" for reconciliation. However, opposition figures and human rights organizations maintain their demand for the full release of all political prisoners. The interim government denies the existence of political prisoners, claiming detainees were held for committing crimes, a stance rejected by opposition parties and organizations.

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crucial step