Venezuela releases detainees held on political grounds

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera 2d
The NGO Foro Penal reported that at least 104 people on its political-prisoner list were freed on Sunday, with additional releases possible.
Venezuela releases detainees held on political grounds
A What happened
Foro Penal said Venezuelan authorities released at least 104 detainees it classifies as political prisoners on Sunday. The group said the total could increase as it verifies more cases. It identified two of those freed: its lawyer Kennedy Tejeda and communications student Juan Francisco Alvarado. Tejeda had been detained after a 2024 visit to a Carabobo state detention center to provide legal assistance to prisoners. The releases reduce the number of people held on the group’s list, contingent on confirmation of further names.

Why it matters

  • Verification risk remains for the headline figure: Operational decisions that depend on the scale of the release (legal support, monitoring, advocacy) are contingent on Foro Penal confirming additional names beyond the initial 104.

  • Targeting of legal support networks becomes a focal point: The release of a detained rights lawyer shifts attention to the state’s treatment of defense and advocacy actors, which can affect detainee access to counsel and documentation of abuses.

Topics

World & Politics Governance Human Rights Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice

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