Venezuela to free over 200 more election protesters

People wait outside the prison for the release of their loved ones detained during protests, in Tocuyito

FILE PHOTO: Family members enquire about their loved ones who were detained during protests over a contested July presidential election, in Tocuyito, Venezuela December 16, 2024. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Hernandez/File Photo

Source: REUTERS

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab said on Monday another 223 people arrested over election protests months ago will be released, taking the total number of prisoners freed to 956.

In recent weeks, Saab has announced a series of releases of groups of the more than 2,000 people who were arrested for taking part in protests after the July election.

Rights groups say they have only been able to verify some of the releases and that at least three protesters have died in custody.

Electoral authorities and the country's supreme court have said President Nicolas Maduro won a third term, but the country's opposition has released ballot box-level tallies it says show a resounding victory for its candidate.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters