Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday welcomed the ongoing release of political prisoners in Venezuela, calling it a “strong humanitarian step” and saying the pace of releases is expected to accelerate in the coming days.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said he was pleased with the developments. “I am happy to report that Venezuela is rapidly releasing its political prisoners, and this pace will increase even more in the near future,” he wrote. Trump also thanked Venezuela’s leadership for cooperating, adding, “I want to thank the Venezuelan leadership for agreeing to this strong humanitarian act.”
Trump’s remarks came a day after more than 100 political prisoners were reportedly released across Venezuela. According to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, at least 104 political detainees were freed on Sunday, revising earlier reports that had placed the number at 80.
Citing France 24, Foro Penal said it is continuing to verify the identities of those released from prisons nationwide. Foro Penal Director Alfredo Romero stated that the verification process is ongoing, while attorney Gonzalo Himiob noted that the initial releases took place during the early hours of the day. Himiob added that the final number could rise as confirmations continue.
The releases are reportedly taking place under pressure from the United States and follow commitments made by interim leader Delcy Rodríguez. Rodríguez assumed leadership earlier this month after leftist President Nicolás Maduro was captured by U.S. special forces. She has pledged to release a significant number of Maduro’s jailed opponents.
Speaking earlier on Sunday in the eastern state of Anzoátegui, Rodríguez addressed oil workers and criticized what she described as foreign interference. “Too many orders have come from Washington,” she said, adding that Venezuela should resolve its political differences internally. She also warned against what she called the consequences of extremism and fascism, saying the country had already paid a heavy price.
According to Venezuelan authorities, a total of 626 detainees have been released since December. However, Foro Penal disputes this figure, stating it has documented only about half that number during the same period.
Despite the recent releases, Venezuela’s political opposition and human rights groups have criticized the process as slow and insufficient. Families of detainees continue to wait outside prisons, hoping for the release of their loved ones.