Venezuela’s recent commitment to release a significant number of political prisoners is unfolding at a much slower pace than anticipated, with numerous families still in anguish awaiting the release of their loved ones. As reported by the human rights organization Penal Forum, only 56 of the more than 800 individuals considered arbitrarily detained for political reasons had been released as of Monday, a figure significantly less than the 116 mentioned by Venezuela’s authorities, who have not disclosed the identities of those freed or their detention locations.
The release of notable prisoners began last Thursday, following pressures from the United States, with the Venezuelan government labeling it as a move “to seek peace” in light of a recent U.S. military operation that captured President Nicolás Maduro. Additionally, at least four Americans imprisoned in Venezuela had been released, marking the first known instance since Maduro’s removal.
The Venezuelan government asserted that the release is part of a review process initiated “voluntarily” by Maduro and continued under the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez. While the UN Fact-Finding Mission welcomed the releases, it stated that they were insufficient and fell “far short” of the country’s human rights obligations, urging for the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained individuals.
Family members of detainees are increasingly vocal, rallying for the complete release of all political prisoners without restrictions. Aurora de Superlano, the wife of a detained opposition figure, expressed that their efforts are focused on gaining freedom for all political prisoners, not just a select few. Families are camping outside detention centers, demanding proof of life for their loved ones and greater transparency from the government amid rising concerns over the conditions within prisons.
In response to a recent death of a detainee, calls for proof of life intensified, with families highlighting their desperation for information. The lack of clarity about released prisoners has fueled frustrations, as civil society groups strive to gather information on the detainees. Amnesty International has raised alarms over potential enforced disappearances and the dire need for transparency and accountability from the government.
Despite the small number of releases, there have been notable figures among those freed, including Enrique Márquez, a former presidential candidate, and other politicians. Rights groups criticized the limited scope of the releases, calling it an “unacceptable mockery” of the urgent need for justice for many others still in custody. The ongoing struggle for human rights and political freedoms in Venezuela remains a pressing issue, with families yearning for the safe return of their loved ones and a brighter future for the nation as a whole. The hope persists that the call for justice and the release of all political prisoners will eventually be answered, fostering a climate of peace and human rights in Venezuela.