Mon Dec 23 18:01:18 UTC 2024: ## Venezuela Frees More Election Protesters Ahead of Maduro’s Inauguration

**CARACAS** – The Venezuelan government has released another 177 protesters arrested following the disputed July 28th presidential election, bringing the total number of released detainees to 910. This announcement, made Monday by Attorney General Tarek Saab, follows previous releases and comes amid international scrutiny and ahead of President Nicolás Maduro’s upcoming inauguration on January 10th.

However, human rights groups remain skeptical, citing difficulties in verifying the released individuals’ status and reporting at least three deaths in custody since the election. Over 2,000 people were initially arrested following widespread protests triggered by Maduro’s declared victory, a result disputed by the opposition and international observers. Pre-election polls indicated a significant lead for opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez. The government’s refusal to release official election tallies further fuels opposition claims of electoral fraud.

The Venezuelan Supreme Court, widely considered to be pro-Maduro, confirmed his win. The post-election crackdown resulted in at least 28 deaths and nearly 200 injuries during clashes between protesters and security forces. As of early December, Venezuelan rights group Foro Penal reported 1,877 political prisoners.

The releases come months after the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced it was monitoring the situation, and just weeks before Maduro’s inauguration. The timing raises speculation about its potential impact on relations with the incoming US administration, particularly given the Trump administration’s previous sanctions on Venezuela. While the Biden administration initially eased some sanctions based on Maduro’s pledge for free and fair elections, these were later reinstated following a further crackdown on opposition figures, many of whom have since fled the country. The impact of these releases on US-Venezuela relations, particularly given the ongoing detention of several US citizens in Venezuela, remains uncertain.

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