US President Donald Trump will meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, a White House official says.
Venezuela’s government announced the release of 116 prisoners, coinciding with news that US President Donald Trump is set to meet opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The statement from the Ministry of Penitentiary Services indicates that the releases follow prolonged discussions about political prisoners in the country.
The announcement comes after rights organizations, notably the Foro Penal, reported that only 41 prisoners had been freed as of earlier on Monday, with 24 individuals released overnight. The situation unfolded amid significant political unrest in Caracas, triggered by the recent capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US authorities. Maduro’s appearance in a New York court on drug trafficking charges has intensified scrutiny on his administration.
The Venezuelan government described those released as having been “deprived of their liberty for acts associated with disrupting the constitutional order and undermining the stability of the nation.” The demand for the release of political prisoners has been a persistent issue raised by human rights groups, international organizations, and members of the opposition.
Political Landscape and Implications
Jorge Rodriguez, the head of Venezuela’s National Assembly and brother of acting President Delcy Rodriguez, mentioned on Thursday that many prisoners, both foreign and Venezuelan, would be released soon. According to Foro Penal, approximately 800 individuals were held as political prisoners at the start of 2024. The Venezuelan government, however, denies that any detainees are held for political reasons.
Machado, who has become one of Maduro’s most formidable opponents, has been vocal in her calls for the release of political prisoners, including her close associates. She is scheduled to visit the White House on March 1, 2024, as confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Machado’s ascent in Venezuelan politics has been marked by her advocacy for democratic reforms and transparency. The Maduro government has actively worked to limit her political activities, barring her from running in the upcoming presidential election. In her absence from the ballot, Machado has endorsed retired ambassador Edmundo González Urrutia, aiming to challenge Maduro’s authority.
Despite the government’s claims of electoral victory for Maduro, Machado’s campaign has revealed significant public discontent. Detailed tally sheets collected during the last election indicated that González had garnered double the votes of Maduro, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the government’s claims.
As the political climate in Venezuela continues to evolve, the release of these prisoners may signal a shift in the government’s approach to dissent and international pressure. The developments in Caracas will be closely monitored as both local and global repercussions unfold.
