Venezuela’s top lawmaker Jorge Rodriguez announced on Tuesday that over 400 people had been freed from prison as part of a release process the government described as a peace gesture.
However, rights groups and NGOs — including Foro Penal, which tracks detainees — say the number of people actually released is much lower, estimating between 60 and 70 freed so far. Venezuela’s penitentiary authority reported 116 releases on Monday, but advocates argue the discrepancy highlights slow progress and a lack of transparent information.
Foro Penal estimates that at least 800 political prisoners remained behind bars at the beginning of the year, reflecting deep concerns among families and international observers. The government denies holding political prisoners, saying those detained were charged with legitimate crimes.
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