Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab announced the release of 223 more protesters, totaling 956 freed amid ongoing unrest following the July election, although rights groups note issues with confirming these releases and report fatalities in custody.
On December 24, 2024, Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab announced the release of an additional 223 individuals who had been arrested during protests following the July election. This recent release brings the total number of freed protesters to 956, amid a series of similar announcements in recent weeks concerning those detained. Rights organizations have reported that they are only able to confirm some of these releases and note that at least three protesters have died while in custody. Despite the claims of the electoral authorities and the supreme court that President Nicolas Maduro secured a third term, the opposition contends that their ballot box-level counts indicate a significant victory for their candidate.
The context of this situation involves significant civil unrest in Venezuela following the controversial elections held in July 2024. Over 2,000 individuals were arrested amid widespread protests against what many citizens described as a fraudulent electoral process. The tensions stem from the belief among opposition groups that the elections did not reflect the will of the people, further exacerbated by claims of human rights abuses linked to the government’s repression of dissent. The recent releases, however, signify an attempt by the Venezuelan government to alleviate some of the international pressure surrounding human rights violations in the country.
In summary, the Venezuelan government is in the process of releasing a significant number of protesters detained after the July elections, with a total of 956 individuals freed thus far. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the credibility of these elections and the treatment of those who dissent. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within Venezuelan society and the government’s responses to external pressures concerning human rights.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
