Venezuela’s interim government says it has released 131 people considered political prisoners, in what it describes as a major step toward national reconciliation following the removal and detention of former President Nicolás Maduro.
The government said those released were granted alternative measures to imprisonment under its Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence.
The opposition movement Vente Venezuela independently verified the release of 43 detainees, while rights group Foro Penal confirmed that at least 40 people had been freed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the development, calling the release of more than 130 political prisoners a “crucial step” toward Venezuela’s reconciliation process. Rubio said that 1,046 Venezuelans have been released since Maduro was detained on January 3.
Emotional scenes were reported outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, where former prisoners reunited with their families.
Foro Penal said 17 women were among those released, including a woman accused of involvement in an alleged plot to assassinate Maduro. However, the rights group said hundreds of political prisoners remain in detention.
Opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa welcomed the releases but called for all political prisoners to be freed without exception. He also urged authorities to end the use of torture centres.
The releases come amid US-brokered talks between Venezuela’s government and opposition, which began last week. The two sides have agreed to cooperate on recovering frozen overseas funds to support earthquake recovery efforts and on reforms to the country’s judiciary.
The issue of political prisoners was not included in their joint statement.
Many Venezuelans are now hoping that the ongoing transition talks will eventually lead to free and democratic elections and a broader political settlement.
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