Venezuela says 131 political prisoners freed amid post-Maduro talks

As detainees granted ‘alternative’ to imprisonment, US welcomes release as a crucial step for Venezuela’s reconciliation process.Published On 15 Aug 202615 Aug 2026Venezuela says it has freed 131 people considered political prisoners, in a sign of progress for national reconciliation following the United States’ removal of former President Nicolas Maduro.Those released had been granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, the country’s interim government said on Friday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Venezuela and Israel restore consular ties as relations warmlist 2 of 3Talks between government and opposition mark a new chapter for Venezuelalist 3 of 3How much power does the US hold in Venezuela?end of listOpposition movement Vente Venezuela said it had independently verified the release of 43 detainees, and the Foro Penal rights group, which advocates for the release of alleged political prisoners, said “at least 40” had been freed.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the recent release of more than 130 political prisoners in Venezuela is “a crucial step for the nation’s reconciliation process”.Since the ...