Venezuelan opposition leader: Prisoner release doesn't erase suffering, demands accountability

Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González acknowledged the government's release of 131 prisoners, but cautioned that their freedom does not erase the suffering endured by them and their families. He emphasized that their release should not be viewed as a concession, but rather as the restoration of a right.

González, who served as an interim presidential candidate, stated on the social media platform X that those freed "never should have been imprisoned." He expressed solidarity with them, drawing from his own experiences with imprisonment. However, he stressed the importance of acknowledging the lasting consequences of their confinement.

He called for continued efforts to secure the release of those still detained, alongside the crucial task of recovering case files and testimonies. This process, he explained, is vital for preserving memory and establishing accountability. González, who has been living in exile in Spain since September 2024, believes that freedom allows individuals to return home. He advocates for a country where political detentions are no longer a reality, with memory serving as a guide to prevent future injustices.

The NGO Foro Penal reported confirming the release of at least 72 political prisoners in recent hours, following the government's announcement of measures for 131 individuals to leave prison.

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Por eso, junto con exigir la libertad de quienes aún permanecen presos, tenemos la permanente tarea de recuperar expedientes y testimonios; escuchar a quienes estuvieron detenidos y a sus familias para preservar la memoria y establecer responsabilidades