On November 17, 2024, Venezuela released more than 100 political prisoners following widespread protests over the disputed presidential election held on July 28, 2024. Local rights group Foro Penal reported that 107 verified releases occurred across four prisons, including Tocoron prison, where at least 50 young adults were freed. This move comes as President Nicolás Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, prepares to begin a new six-year term in January 2025 [34b7b9ee].
The election results, which Maduro's administration claimed showed his victory with 52% of the vote, have been heavily contested, leading to accusations of fraud and a subsequent crackdown on dissent. The opposition, led by figures like Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process, alleging that Gonzalez Urrutia actually won the election with 67% [3532eaef].
In the wake of the election, Venezuela experienced significant violence, resulting in 27 deaths and over 2,400 arrests, with many detainees facing torture in detention. Attorney General Tarek Saab announced a review of at least 225 cases, indicating that the government is responding to international pressure regarding human rights violations [34b7b9ee]. Previous releases included over 80 teenagers in September, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need to address the political crisis [34b7b9ee].
The asylum granted to Gonzalez Urrutia by Spain earlier in September underscores the ongoing struggle for political freedom in Venezuela. His departure from the country followed a month in hiding after he was summoned by Maduro's government, which had issued three summons for him to appear before prosecutors [3532eaef]. As the situation evolves, the release of political prisoners highlights the complex dynamics of dissent and repression in Venezuela, as the international community continues to scrutinize Maduro's regime [34b7b9ee].