• On New Year's Eve, the Venezuelan government authorized the release of 87 political prisoners.
  • Civil organizations including Justicia Encuentro, Perdón, and the Comité de Madres en Defensa de la Verdad confirmed the information.
  • The majority of these prisoners were held at the Tocorón prison, located approximately 90 minutes from Caracas.
  • Their detention stemmed from participation in mass protests challenging the victory of Nicolás Maduro in the 2024 presidential elections.

Quick Summary

The Venezuelan government authorized the release of 87 political prisoners on New Year's Eve, according to civil organizations tracking the situation. The releases were confirmed by groups including Justicia Encuentro, Perdón, and the Comité de Madres en Defensa de la Verdad.

Most prisoners were held at the Tocorón prison, located 90 minutes from Caracas, for participating in mass protests against Nicolás Maduro's declared victory in the 2024 presidential elections. Civil organizations have verified the release of 33 individuals so far.

Government Authorizes Prison Releases

The authorization occurred on the eve of the new year, marking a significant development in Venezuela's political prisoner situation. Government authorities permitted the 87 releases as part of a broader policy shift.

Civil organizations with direct ties to prisoners confirmed the authorization through their monitoring networks. These groups maintain regular contact with detainees and their families, providing them with verified information about release procedures.

Tocorón Prison Holds Majority

The Tocorón prison facility housed the vast majority of the 87 authorized releases. Located approximately 90 minutes from the capital city of Caracas, this prison has been a central location for political detentions.

Prisoners held at Tocorón faced charges related to their participation in massive popular protests that questioned the legitimacy of the 2024 presidential election results. The protests erupted following Nicolás Maduro's declared victory in the contested election.

Civil Organizations Track Releases

Multiple civil society groups are actively monitoring the release process. Justicia Encuentro and Perdón work directly with former prisoners to document cases and provide support services.

The Comité de Madres en Defensa de la Verdad also confirmed the authorization, representing families of political prisoners. These organizations have verified that 33 individuals have been released thus far from the total authorized group.

Election Protest Context

The detained individuals participated in protests that challenged the 2024 presidential election outcome. These demonstrations represented widespread opposition to Nicolás Maduro's declared victory.

The mass protests reflected deep political divisions within Venezuela following the contested election. Participants faced various charges related to their involvement in these demonstrations, leading to their incarceration at facilities including Tocorón.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many political prisoners were authorized for release in Venezuela?

The Venezuelan government authorized the release of 87 political prisoners on New Year's Eve.

Where were most of the political prisoners held?

The majority of the 87 prisoners were held at Tocorón prison, located approximately 90 minutes from Caracas.

Why were these individuals imprisoned?

They were imprisoned for participating in mass protests that questioned Nicolás Maduro's victory in the 2024 presidential elections.