Venezuela releases some protesters detained over disputed presidential election: Video
At least 93 people arrested during protests following Venezuela's contested presidential election in July have been released.
The releases began on Saturday, November 16, across four prisons in central Venezuela, according to the AFP.
The detainees were among thousands arrested after President Nicolás Maduro’s reelection, which opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia condemned as fraudulent. Urrutia fled into exile in September after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.
Relatives and human rights activists claim some of those detained had not participated in the protests. They also allege instances of torture and the denial of food and medical care to prisoners.
"I had faith that we were all going to get out because we are all innocent," said Andrés Galea, one of the released prisoners. "This is a process that was expected and that takes time."
Javier López, another former detainee, recounted the dire conditions in prison: "We went hungry, we slept, we were thirsty, we went through hardships, worries, tortures—many things happened inside. But thank God that nightmare is over and it will be over for all of us."
Attorney General Tarek Saab announced on Friday, November 15, that 225 cases related to the protests will be reviewed.
