Venezuela, Nov 17, (V7N) - Authorities in Venezuela commenced the release of 225 detainees this weekend, held in connection with protests against the disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro in July. The move, part of a broad review of cases initiated by prosecutors, began early Saturday across four prisons, with 93 releases reported so far, according to Alfredo Romero of the Foro Penal legal aid NGO. Over 2,400 people were detained during the unrest, which left 28 dead and nearly 200 injured, including 164 minors, of whom 69 remain imprisoned.

Families of detainees gathered outside prisons, awaiting news with a mix of hope and anxiety. At Yare 3 prison, nine individuals, including 64-year-old Alexis Jose Ocho, were freed. “I’m glad to be back on the street,” Ocho shared, recounting poor treatment during his arrest but better conditions in prison. Alexandra Hurtado, a mother awaiting her son’s release, said, “It’s a roller coaster of emotions.”

The release follows Attorney General Tarek William Saab’s announcement of a review to rectify potential procedural errors. Saab defended the state's response, stating that "criminal actions" would be punished but pledged to ensure fairness.

Despite the release of some detainees, relatives and activists remain unsatisfied, emphasizing that more than 2,000 young people are still held unjustly. Protests by families are planned outside the prosecutor's office, demanding broader action.

The controversy surrounding Maduro's reelection continues, with opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia in exile after alleging electoral fraud. While international recognition of Maduro's victory remains limited, protests have largely subsided since September.

END/WD/RH/