Jan 14, 2026, 7:47 p.mJan 14, 2026, 7:47 p.m
The Venezuelan government has released 16 journalists and media workers from prison. The journalists’ union SNTP said eight other reporters remained in prison. The authoritarian government of the South American country is taking tough action against critical journalists and has arrested numerous media workers, particularly during the protests against the re-election of President Nicolás Maduro a year and a half ago, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud.
After the capture of Maduro by US special forces on January 3rd, the new government under acting President Delcy Rodríguez has now released a number of political prisoners. However, there are different reports on the exact number of prisoners released: While the prison administration announced that 116 prisoners had been released, the non-governmental organization Foro Penal only confirmed a good 60 releases. Accordingly, over 700 political prisoners are still behind bars. (hkl/sda/dpa)