Venezuela to Release Over 500 Political Prisoners in Coming Hours

In a significant development, Venezuela is poised to surpass 500 political prisoner releases, a move announced by acting president Delcy Rodríguez. This initiative, distinct from the broader amnesty law enacted in February, has already seen 395 individuals freed this week through specific programs like the Judicial Revolution Commission and the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence. While the government frames this as progress, human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation. They point to discrepancies between official announcements and the actual number of releases, with some groups reporting figures as low as 10% of promised numbers. The situation remains complex, with ongoing calls for transparency and adherence to international standards in the Venezuelan justice system. The release of three former Metropolitan Police officers, convicted in relation to the 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chávez, highlights the intricate political landscape surrounding these actions. This comes amid heightened scrutiny following the death of political prisoner Víctor Quero in government custody, a case that has drawn international attention and demands for a thorough investigation.

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I know that we will surpass 500 releases in the coming hours.