Dozens freed in early morning release

Venezuelan authorities released a slew of political prisoners in the early hours of Saturday morning, human rights groups say, days after interim President Delcy Rodriguez met US President Donald Trump.

Who was released and why they were held

Among those freed was Wilder Vasquez, sentenced to five years in two thousand eighteen over claims he was plotting to kill former President Nicolás Maduro. Miguel Castillo Cedeño had been arbitrarily detained since June two thousand nineteen.

Long-delayed release of Frank Cabañas

Frank Cabañas was also released after nine years in prison. Rights groups say he had been held after being linked to the death of a police officer and was the only remaining suspect detained, despite family reports of health problems.

Scheme that slowed to a trickle

Rodriguez's administration had previously released hundreds of prisoners as part of a reconciliation effort following Maduro's seizure. But releases slowed to a trickle in April after Rodriguez said the scheme was coming to an end.

“coming to an end”

Rights groups say scheme fell short

Foro Penal said the prisoner release scheme was stopped with less than half of the nation's political prisoners released. Opposition and rights groups have said Maduro's government used detention to stamp out dissent and silence critics for years.

Opposition demands elections remain unscheduled

Opposition figures renewed calls for free elections after Rodriguez met Trump at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. Rodriguez said there will be elections in Venezuela without specifying when, drawing criticism from opposition voices who view the meeting as a snub.

“will be elections in Venezuela”