Venezuela Releases Over Thirty Political Prisoners

(MENAFN) Venezuela released at least 35 political detainees Sunday, including prominent opposition leaders, as the nation's interim government pursues closer ties with Washington, a human rights organization confirmed.

The freed prisoners included opposition figures Juan Pablo Guanipa and Perkins Rocha, according to statements from a Venezuelan press union, opposition party representatives, and relatives of the released.

Rights watchdog Foro Penal documented the Sunday releases, noting that over 650 individuals the organization classifies as political prisoners remain incarcerated across the country—a figure reported last week.

Government officials have yet to release an official statement. However, interim leader Delcy Rodriguez recently announced intentions to close El Helicoide—a notorious detention facility condemned by international rights advocates—while proposing sweeping amnesty legislation.

The prisoner releases follow last month's arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro by US authorities, a seismic event that transformed Venezuela's political terrain. Rodriguez, who previously held the vice presidency, has since pivoted the nation's diplomatic strategy toward cooperation with Donald Trump's administration and redirected petroleum exports toward the United States, The New York Times reported.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado celebrated the development on US social platform X, declaring: "Today Venezuelans welcome our heroes home … They emerge with moving strength and dignity."

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