Venezuela has released 225 people who were arrested during anti-government protests following the disputed presidential election in July, according to Attorney General Tarek Saab.
In a statement on Saturday, Saab confirmed that the releases were based on new evidence gathered by prosecutors.
“Between Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, 225 individuals were granted liberty after being prosecuted for violence during the post-election protests,” Saab said.
The protests erupted after President Nicolás Maduro’s re-election, which was widely contested, and led to at least 28 deaths and nearly 200 injuries, according to Saab’s earlier reports.
Local rights group Foro Penal confirmed the releases, with director Alfredo Romero stating that over 100 people were freed across four prisons.
“As of now, 107 political prisoners have been released,” Romero said on social media.
Foro Penal also reported that more than 1,800 people were arrested after the July 28 election, which secured Maduro’s hold on power despite allegations of fraud.
The releases included prisoners from several prisons in central Venezuela, including Tocoron, where at least 50 young adults were freed.
Videos shared by Romero showed prisoners being cheered as they walked out of prison.
One young man, identified as Luis Enrique Correa Espinoza, smiled and held up a sign celebrating his freedom.
The election, which Maduro claimed as his victory, sparked deadly protests from opposition groups accusing the government of electoral fraud.
Maduro, who first took office in 2013, is set to begin a new term in January.
This latest release follows a similar move in September when over 80 teenagers were freed after being arrested during the protests.
Human rights groups continue to express concerns over the treatment of detainees and ongoing political repression in Venezuela.
