Venezuela Frees 99 Protest Prisoners; NGOs Demand Release of 900 More Amid US Pressure

• Venezuela released 99 individuals detained during the 2024 election protests, its largest prisoner release of 2025.
• NGOs, including Justicia, Encuentro y Perdón, deem the release "insufficient" and "selective," demanding freedom for 900-1000 remaining political prisoners.
• The Maduro regime presented the move as a "peace offering" amidst an "imperialist siege" and "multilateral aggression" by the US.
• The US has intensified pressure on Venezuela through oil tanker blockades, vessel seizures, and airstrikes.
• The release follows escalating internal repression, with prominent opposition figures exiled or arrested, and a teenager convicted of "terrorism."

Why It Matters: Venezuela frees 99 protest prisoners, but NGOs highlight 900+ still held, amidst rising US pressure.