Venezuela Releases 177 Election Protesters

Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab announced the release of an additional 177 election protesters, bringing the total number released to 910 out of over 2,000 arrested following the disputed July 28 elections where President Nicolas Maduro claimed victory. Rights groups have reported challenges in verifying these releases and noted that at least three protesters have died in custody. Despite Maduro's electoral win being confirmed by the Supreme Court, the opposition contests the results, asserting they won based on their ballot box tallies. Human rights organizations continue to criticize the Venezuelan government for systemic abuses and arbitrary detentions. The government claims the releases are part of a judicial review process aimed at restoring peace, though critics argue it does not address the broader issues of judicial independence and repression. As of early December, estimates indicate nearly 1,877 political prisoners remain incarcerated in Venezuela.