Venezuelan NGO reports release of four women held for political reasons

The Venezuelan NGO Foro Penal announced the release of four women previously detained for political reasons. Among those freed was 19-year-old Aranza Hernández, whose brother is a dissident military officer living abroad. Hernández was arrested last November.

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Aranza Hernández, of 19 years, detained in November of the past year.

Her sister, Samantha Hernández, a 16-year-old, was released on May 18 after being detained in November by military counterintelligence officials. Foro Penal also reported the release of Génesis Rodríguez Araña and Daniela Araña, relatives of Lieutenant José Rodríguez Araña, who is exiled in the United States. He is accused by the Venezuelan government of participating in an operation where 112 rifles and ammunition were stolen.

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Aranza Hernández is sister of a dissident military officer, who is outside the country after being accused of alleged rebellion, according to local media.

Additionally, Keenami Guevara Vásquez, a former official accused of falsifying identity cards for alleged terrorists, was released. Despite these releases, Foro Penal stated on Friday that 389 political prisoners remain in Venezuela, with 39 holding dual nationality. Meanwhile, families of political detainees gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, seeking their release.

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Génesis Rodríguez Araña and Daniela Araña, relatives of the first lieutenant José Rodríguez Araña, who is exiled in the United States after being accused by the Government of Nicolás Maduro of participating in the 'Operación Aurora'.