Venezuela says 131 political prisoners freed amid post-Maduro talks

Venezuela says it has freed 131 people considered political prisoners, in a sign of progress for national reconciliation following the United States’ removal of former President Nicolas Maduro.

Those released had been granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, the country’s interim government said on Friday.

Opposition movement Vente Venezuela said it had independently verified the release of 43 detainees, and the Foro Penal rights group, which advocates for the release of alleged political prisoners, said “at least 40” had been freed.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the recent release of more than 130 political prisoners in Venezuela is “a crucial step for the nation’s reconciliation process”.

Since the US overthrew and detained Maduro on January 3 this year, 1,046 Venezuelans have been released, Rubio added on X.

Venezuela is now being governed by Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, with significant influence from Washington.

Former prisoners were seen reuniting with their families in emotional scenes outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, 50 kilometres (31 miles) east of the capital Caracas.

Foro Penal said that 17 women had been freed on Friday, including one accused of participating in an assassination plot against Maduro.