Venezuela on Friday freed another 131 people considered to be political prisoners, in a sign of progress in talks to reconcile the nation following Nicolas Maduro's removal by US forces. The 131 people had been granted "alternative measures from incarceration", under the "Programme for Peace and Democratic Coexistence", the country's interim government said. Outside the El Rodeo I prison, AFP reporters witnessed scenes of tearful joy as several former prisoners reunited with their families.
Leomar Guerra hugs a child after his release from El Rodeo prison under Venezuela's government "Peace and Democratic Coexistence" programme. © Luis Colmenares, Reuters
Some relatives have been camping outside the prison, near the capital Caracas, for months as they await the possible release of their loved ones. Ruth Molero, whose son and nephew remained locked up Friday, said the families were caught by surprise. The guards' "whistles started blowing, and we ... were sitting here, chatting like we do every afternoon. Then we saw that small group of young men" leaving the prison, she told AFP. "Imagine – we all ran out screaming." While her family was not part of the latest release, "I know they'll be out very soon," she said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday's prisoner release was "a crucial step for the nation's reconciliation process". "Since January 3rd, 1,046 Venezuelans have been released," he said. The Foro Penal rights group, which advocates for the release of alleged political prisoners, announced that six women had been freed, including one accused of participating in an assassination plot against Maduro. It said later that the release of "at least 45 political prisoners" had been confirmed. 'They all deserve full freedom'
