Venezuela: Six political prisoners released following earthquakes

Six individuals detained for political reasons in Venezuela have been released since July 2, according to the organization Foro Penal. Among those freed is former opposition deputy José Sánchez, widely known as “Mazuco,” who had been imprisoned since September 2024.

Alfredo Romero, director president of Foro Penal, announced the releases via social media, listing the names of the six individuals. The organization noted that these exculpations followed the significant earthquakes that impacted northern Venezuela on June 24, but did not provide specific details on the terms under which the detainees were authorized to leave.

Sánchez's case had drawn attention from his family and human rights organizations. He was reportedly arrested in Zulia state in September 2024 while receiving assistance for a vehicle breakdown. His detention occurred in the political climate after the July 2024 presidential elections, which opposition sectors contested due to alleged irregularities.

Another notable release is Adolfo Torres, a 59-year-old former manager for Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) Occidente, who had been detained since September 2017. Foro Penal stated he was arrested with other executives from the state oil company and accused of sabotaging the oil industry. With these six releases, Foro Penal maintains its registry of 371 political prisoners in Venezuela.