As political and military tensions between Venezuela and the United States reached their peak, Nicolás Maduro’s government decided to release 99 political prisoners on Christmas Day, the highest number in 12 months. The previous act of clemency for imprisoned politicians and activists took place on August 2, when 13 prisoners were released from prison with alternative judicial conditions. In December 2024, nearly 100 prisoners were released from Chavista prisons, the vast majority of whom had been jailed for participating in anti-government protests following the presidential election.
Release of political prisoners in Venezuela: a gesture of openness under Trump’s shadow
The government of Nicolás Maduro has let out nearly 100 dissidents, the largest number in a year. But NGOs note there are still around 1,000 opponents behind bars