Venezuela frees 88 more prisoners detained after post-election protests

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses supporters at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, the day before his inauguration for a third term, Jan. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)

Venezuela’s government has freed 88 more people detained after protests that followed the South American nation’s July 2024 election, marking the second mass release in as many weeks amid U.S. pressure on the government of President Nicolas Maduro.

The New Year’s Day release follows the government’s announcement that it released 99 people on December 26, which would bring a total of 187 people released in two weeks.

“These actions are part of the comprehensive review process of cases ordered by President Nicolas Maduro,” the government said in a statement.

The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners, a local non-governmental organization, said it had verified at least 55 prisoners had been released, with all but one freed from the Tocoron prison in central Venezuela.