Politics Dozens of political prisoners released in Venezuela

SDA

26.12.2025 - 20:03

ARCHIVE - View of the entrance to the Helicoide secret service prison. Photo: Boris Vergara/dpa (archive photo)
ARCHIVE - View of the entrance to the Helicoide secret service prison. Photo: Boris Vergara/dpa (archive photo)
Keystone

The authoritarian Venezuelan government has released dozens of political prisoners. However, it was initially unclear exactly how many prisoners had been set free. The prison administration spoke of 99 released prisoners, while the human rights organization Foro Penal confirmed only 45 released prisoners. The people had been arrested during the protests against President Nicolás Maduro's re-election last year, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud.

Keystone-SDA

The Venezuelan government is cracking down on political opponents. According to Foro Penal, over 800 political prisoners are behind bars in the South American country. International organizations and activists accuse the Venezuelan security forces of serious human rights violations.

Opposition leader calls for the release of all political prisoners

A few days ago, Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado warned that political prisoners could be killed behind bars. The opposition leader called for the release of all political prisoners.

The conflict between the USA and Venezuela has recently escalated. The US armed forces have gathered numerous warships, fighter planes and soldiers off the coast of Venezuela. The military sank a number of alleged drug boats and the coast guard confiscated oil tankers subject to sanctions. President Maduro accuses the White House of trying to force a change of power in Caracas.