Venezuela Releases 99 Detainees Linked to 2024 Election Protests Amid US Pressure
Venezuela has announced the release of 99 detainees connected to protests following the 2024 election, marking what the government calls the largest release of political prisoners this year. The government described the action as evidence of "unrestricted respect for human rights" despite ongoing US pressure, stating the detainees were held for acts of violence and incitement to hatred after the July 28, 2024 electoral process.
Among those freed were at least three teenagers, including 17-year-old Gabriel José Rodríguez Méndez, who had been previously convicted of terrorism related to the post-election protests. However, notable opposition figures were not part of the release; opposition leader María Corina Machado remains in exile in Spain after traveling to Norway to receive her Nobel Peace Prize.
Civil society groups have expressed concerns that the releases are selective and fall short of addressing the broader issue, estimating that between 900 and 1,000 political prisoners remain detained. NGOs such as Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón acknowledge the positive impact of the move but stress its insufficiency and note the absence of independent verification of the number released. Additionally, the Committee for the Freedom of Social Fighters and Political Prisoners highlighted that many of the released individuals will continue to face restrictions such as travel bans, mandatory court appearances, and media limitations.
This release occurs against a backdrop of intensified US pressure on Venezuela, including the deployment of up to approximately 15,000 troops and a significant naval fleet near Venezuelan waters, accompanied by oil tanker blockades, vessel seizures, and deadly airstrikes on boats resulting in 105 fatalities.
