Venezuela’s Dictator Nicolás Maduro Frees 225 Protesters After Fraudulent Fake Elections; Over 1,800 Detained in Crackdown”
Venezuela’s corrupt Attorney General Tarek Saab announced late Saturday that 225 individuals detained during protests after the disputed July 28 presidential election have been released. The decision followed new evidence uncovered by prosecutors, prompting the government to issue the releases.
“Between the afternoon of Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th, 225 measures of liberty were granted and executed to people prosecuted for the acts of violence that occurred after the July 28 elections,” Saab stated.
The controversial election extended Dictator Nicolás Maduro’s tenure despite allegations of fraud and irregularities. Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is set to begin another six-year term in January.
Human Rights Groups Monitor Releases
Local rights group Foro Penal reported that 107 political prisoners were freed on Saturday from four prisons across Venezuela. Alfredo Romero, the group’s director, shared updates on social media and noted that more than 1,800 people had been detained following the contentious election.
Among those released were at least 50 young adults from Tocorón prison, Romero confirmed. Videos circulating online showed freed prisoners walking along highways and reuniting with supporters to cheers and applause.
Outside Tocuyito prison in Valencia, one released detainee expressed his longing for a home-cooked meal with his family, reflecting concerns about the poor conditions in Venezuelan prisons.
Allegations of Torture and Wrongful Arrests
The post-election unrest, marked by violence, resulted in 28 deaths and nearly 200 injuries, according to Saab. Critics of Maduro’s administration, including opposition leaders and rights groups, accuse the government of cracking down on dissent through mass arrests and alleged torture.
Some relatives of detainees have claimed that their loved ones had no involvement in the protests. These assertions mirror concerns raised in September when more than 80 teenagers were freed after similar allegations of wrongful imprisonment.
A Fraudulent Election
Venezuela’s corrupt electoral authorities and Supreme Court declared Maduro the winner of the election but declined to release all voting tallies, fueling accusations of fraud. Supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez have alleged that the ruling party manipulated the results to secure Maduro’s victory.
Maduro recently directed the attorney general’s office to review arrests for potential errors in a bid to ease tensions. However, opposition figures and human rights groups remain skeptical, arguing that the releases fail to address systemic issues within Venezuela’s justice system.
The developments highlight the ongoing political and social instability in Venezuela as the nation grapples with the fallout of a fraudulent election and mounting international scrutiny.