Dozens of Venezuelans detained during protests against President Nicolás Maduro’s controversial re-election have been released, according to local human rights group Foro Penal.
Mass Releases After Crackdown
Fifty detainees were freed from Tocorón prison in Aragua state, and 20 more were released from three other facilities, Foro Penal leader Alfredo Romero confirmed early Saturday. Emotional scenes outside the prisons showed families reuniting as supporters cheered.
The releases are part of a broader review by Venezuela’s Attorney General, who announced plans to examine over 200 cases of individuals detained during demonstrations that erupted after the disputed July election.
More than 1,800 people were arrested during the protests, which Human Rights Watch says resulted in 24 deaths. The demonstrations followed allegations of electoral fraud in a vote that saw Maduro claim victory with 51% of the vote, despite widespread skepticism domestically and internationally.
Death in Custody Raises Concerns
The release of detainees comes amid outrage over the death of Jesús Manuel Martínez Medina, a member of the opposition Vente Venezuela party, who had been in custody since August 2. After being hospitalized on October 11, Martínez Medina reportedly died under unclear circumstances, though authorities claim he received “adequate medical attention.”
Venezuela’s Ongoing Crisis
Venezuela remains mired in political turmoil after the July election, where opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez disputed the results, citing tally discrepancies that suggested he won. However, the country’s electoral authority, dominated by Maduro loyalists, declared Maduro the victor.
Multiple countries have refused to recognize Maduro’s re-election. The leftist leader, aligned with the “Chavismo” ideology of his predecessor Hugo Chávez, is slated to begin his third six-year term in January.
The situation underscores Venezuela’s deepening political and human rights crises, as international observers continue to call for greater accountability and transparency.