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What happened
Venezuela said on January 12, 2026 that 116 political prisoners had been released since the government announced the prior week it would begin freeing those jailed under President Nicolas Maduro. The Ministry of the Penitentiary Service said the measures benefited people deprived of liberty for acts tied to disrupting the constitutional order and undermining the nation’s stability. Opposition and rights groups reported lower figures than the government’s count.
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Key insights
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Government frames releases as measures tied to alleged destabilization acts: The Ministry of the Penitentiary Service said the releases benefited people detained for acts it linked to disrupting the constitutional order and undermining national stability.
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2
Dispute over release totals: The government reported 116 releases, while opposition and rights groups reported lower figures.
Takeaways
Venezuela’s government reported 116 political prisoners released, while opposition and rights groups disputed the total.