Venezuela speeds up release of political prisoners - Trump
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said Venezuela is releasing its political prisoners at an accelerated pace and that the process will speed up even further in the near future, according to a post by Trump on the Truth Social platform.
"I am pleased to report that Venezuela is releasing its Political Prisoners at a rapid rate, which rate will be increasing over the coming short period of time. I’d like to thank the leadership of Venezuela for agreeing to this powerful humanitarian gesture!" Trump wrote.
Earlier, media outlets, citing the Venezuelan human rights organization Foro Penal, reported that more than 100 political prisoners had been released in recent weeks amid pressure from the United States.
As of Sunday, January 19, at least 104 people had been freed from detention. They were reportedly arrested for taking part in protests.
The release of three Ukrainian citizens who had been illegally held in Venezuela was previously reported on.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, this became possible thanks to coordinated efforts by Ukrainian diplomats and the support of the United States and European partners.
US–Venezuela relations
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said the country was tired of US interference during preparations for reforms in the oil sector and the release of political prisoners.
Addressing oil industry workers in Anzoátegui state, Rodríguez stressed that "Venezuelan politicians must decide our issues themselves."
On January 3, the United States carried out a large-scale special operation in Venezuela, launching airstrikes on the capital, Caracas. The operation aimed to detain Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, whom US forces reportedly took to the United States along with his wife, Cilia Flores.
