Venezuela Frees 39 Political Prisoners After Talks

Venezuelan human rights groups reported that dozens of political prisoners were released after renewed talks between the interim government and opposition, with reports putting the total at 29 to 39 and some cases still being verified. Those freed included people held at El Rodeo I prison and dissidents detained in connection with alleged plots against the government. The releases followed diplomatic engagement involving interim President Delcy Rodríguez, the opposition and the United States; the government has described releases as part of efforts toward national reconciliation, while rights groups continue to call for all political detainees to be freed. Hundreds of people are still classified as political prisoners, and families have maintained protests demanding their release.