Venezuela releases dozens of prisoners following meeting between Trump and interim leader

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Human rights organizations in Venezuela reported the release of numerous political prisoners on Saturday, although the exact number has not been confirmed. Following a meeting on Tuesday between Interim President Delcy Rodríguez and President Donald Trump in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, the releases took place. Rodríguez's government has been accused of jailing dissidents, but they claim they are striving for democratic change.

Venezuelan human rights group Clippve announced the release of seven political prisoners from a prison near Caracas on Saturday morning, with one of them, university student Wilder Vasquez, claiming innocence. Another group, Justicia Encuentro y Perdon, stated that 29 people were released from Venezuelan prisons that day, including 12 on their list of political prisoners. However, the group is still verifying details to update their registry. The Venezuelan government did not comment on Saturday's events.

President Trump's meeting with Rodríguez has coincided with the release of political prisoners, though the total number remains unclear. Venezuela's administration denies the country is holding dissidents, but human rights groups argue that political prisoners still exist. Since January, when Maduro was captured in a U.S. military raid, hundreds have been released. However, human rights groups claim there are still 450 political prisoners in the country.