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Venezuela Releases 116 Prisoners, NGOs Dispute Numbers

Published January 12, 2026, 15:15
Venezuela Releases 116 Prisoners, NGOs Dispute Numbers

The Venezuelan government announced the release of 116 prisoners, while human rights organizations report a lower number, around 41. The announcement comes after three days of delays in releases, as reported by the Foro Penal organization. The releases are taking place after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro by the US and his appearance in court in New York. According to the government, those released had been accused of acts disrupting the constitutional order and undermining the country's stability. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who is expected to meet with Donald Trump, had called for the release of political prisoners. Human rights organizations estimate that there are at least 800 political prisoners in Venezuela, which the government denies.