Venezuela Grants Alternative Detention Measures to 131 Prisoners

Venezuela’s government has granted “alternative liberty restriction measures” to 131 detained people, in a move being viewed as a significant step in the country’s efforts to ease political tensions and advance reconciliation.

The measure was announced on Friday under the government’s Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, although authorities did not immediately provide detailed information on the specific restrictions imposed on those affected.

Human rights organisations and opposition groups welcomed the development, particularly because some of those detained have been described as political prisoners or people held unjustly.

Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights organisation that monitors political detentions, said it had confirmed 29 releases by 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday, while reporting that 391 political prisoners remained in the country as of August 10.

The latest move comes amid wider efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation in Venezuela following the political upheaval surrounding the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro.

Reports from international media indicate that at least some of those affected have now left prison, although the government’s announcement referred specifically to alternative measures rather than unconditional freedom.

The development has been welcomed internationally. US officials described the releases as an important step towards reconciliation, while rights groups have continued to call for the unconditional release of all people they consider political prisoners.

Among those reportedly released are several high-profile detainees whose cases had attracted international attention.

The latest announcement follows earlier rounds of releases and changes to detention conditions this year. In April, Venezuela granted alternative detention measures to more than 50 people, according to Reuters, while rights groups said hundreds of political prisoners remained in custody.

While the release of the 131 detainees represents a significant development, human rights advocates say the process must continue and that restrictions placed on released prisoners should not amount to continued political persecution.

The government has presented the measures as part of its broader effort to promote peace, democratic coexistence and national reconciliation.