Venezuelan authorities on Wednesday released at least fifteen media professionals, including Roland Carreño, journalist and opposition figure. These releases come in a tense political context, a few days after the government announced a gesture of appeasement towards prisoners considered political.
Disputed figures and gradual releases
The government claims that over a hundred people have been released since the beginning of the month, but human rights NGOs report a significantly lower number. According to the National Union of Press Workers and the organization Foro Penal, several journalists have already rejoined their families, while others require medical follow-up after their detention.
Arrested once again during the unrest following the disputed 2024 presidential election, Roland Carreño had already served time in prison. Independent organizations estimate that the country still has between 800 and 1,000 political prisoners, despite these partial releases, while Caracas faces increased diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States.
