Venezuela frees 39 political prisoners after post-Maduro talks

What the report says

Venezuela has released 39 political prisoners after a second round of negotiations between the country’s interim government and the opposition, according to Al Jazeera, with the talks backed by Washington. The human rights group Justicia, Encuentro y Perdon said the detainees were freed between Friday and Saturday from several prisons. Those released included eight women accused in a 2021 “narco-terrorism” case and six people accused of involvement in a 2020 effort to topple former president Nicolas Maduro.

The reported releases come amid a wider political transition in Venezuela after Maduro’s removal in January, and as the interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez — Maduro’s former vice president — continues talks with opposition figures. Al Jazeera reported that the latest negotiations took place on Friday with US approval. A first round of discussions in August focused on access to Venezuelan funds frozen abroad for earthquake recovery and on judicial reform.

Rights groups say many detainees remain behind bars. Foro Penal, which tracks political imprisonments, said 344 people were still classified as political prisoners as of September 18. Families and activists have continued public protests in Caracas, including near the US embassy and El Rodeo I prison. In the broader context, the releases appear linked to efforts to reduce tensions and advance reconciliation after years of political conflict, though rights advocates say progress has been slow.