CARACAS, Dec 14 (NNN-AGENCIES) — More than 300 people arrested in protests against the reelection of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have been released from prison, the government announced.
The detainees were accused of “terrorism” and taken to maximum security jails after a crackdown following the reelection of Maduro, which the opposition alleged was fraudulent.
Authorities freed 103 people this week, according to the interior ministry, which it said added to the 225 detainees also held over post-election unrest who were released in mid-November.
Rights group Foro Penal said it has counted 190 people who have been released so far.
More than 2,400 people were arrested during the unrest after the July 28 vote, which left at least 28 dead and nearly 200 injured.
Maduro, who is to be sworn into office next month for a third six-year term, requested a review of the arrests following his reelection, the interior ministry said.
Hundreds of relatives had been protesting to demand the release of their loved ones, saying they had no part in the protests.
Human rights activists allege that the detainees are being subjected to abuse, and denied proper food and medical care.
Only a handful of countries, including Venezuelan ally Russia, have recognized Maduro’s victory.
The opposition, tipped by polls for an easy win, published detailed polling-station-level results that showed its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia winning by a landslide.
Protests have largely petered out since September, when Gonzalez Urrutia went into exile in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest. — NNN-AGENCIES
