Venezuela releases imprisoned opposition figures and activists, which Trump says US requested

Key Highlights

• … Everything we’ve wanted, they’ve given us.” Jorge Rodríguez, brother of the acting president and head of Venezuela’s National Assembly, said a “significant number” of people would be freed, but as of late Thursday night it was still not clear who or how many people would be released.
• The US government and Venezuela’s opposition have long demanded the widespread release of imprisoned politicians, critics and members of civil society.
• The Venezuelan government insists it doesn’t hold political prisoners.
• “Consider this a gesture by the Bolivarian (Venezuelan) government, which is broadly intended to seek peace,” he announced.
• High profile releases ———————- Among those released was Biaggio Pilieri, an opposition leader who was part of Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado’s 2024 presidential campaign, according to Foro Penal, an advocacy group for prisoners based in Caracas.