Kathmandu— Venezuela has released 131 individuals considered political prisoners as part of a program aimed at national reconciliation following the recent change in leadership, with the United States welcoming the move as a crucial development. Those freed were granted “alternative measures from incarceration” under the Program for Peace and Democratic Coexistence, according to the country’s interim government on Friday. The releases come after the first round of US-brokered talks between the government and opposition concluded last week, focusing on economic recovery and judicial reform.

Verification and Scope of Releases

Opposition movement Vente Venezuela has independently verified the release of 43 detainees, while the Foro Penal rights group confirmed that “at least 40” had been freed. As of August 10, Foro Penal reported that 391 political prisoners remained incarcerated. Among those released on Friday were 17 women, including one accused of involvement in an alleged assassination plot against Maduro.

US Response and Previous Releases

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the release of over 130 political prisoners as “a crucial step for the nation’s reconciliation process.” He also stated that since January 3, when Maduro was removed from power, a total of 1,046 Venezuelans have been released. Venezuela is currently governed by Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, with significant influence from Washington.

Emotional Reunions and Continued Demands

Former prisoners were seen reuniting with their families in emotional scenes outside El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, located 50 kilometers (31 miles) east of Caracas. Opposition figure Juan Pablo Guanipa welcomed the releases but emphasized the need for the complete liberation of all political prisoners, stating on X that each returnee brings “an immense relief” to suffering families and calling for the closure of torture centers.

Talks Focus on Recovery and Reform

The initial round of US-brokered talks between the government and opposition concluded Wednesday with a joint statement outlining agreements to work towards retrieving frozen funds to aid recovery from devastating June earthquakes, which claimed over 6,300 lives. The discussions also addressed reforming Venezuela’s judiciary. Dinorah Figuera, leading the opposition in the talks, has pledged continued advocacy for the release of all remaining political prisoners.

Hopes for Democratic Elections

Many Venezuelans express hope that the ongoing transition talks will pave the way for democratic elections, following widespread rejection of Maduro’s claimed victories in the 2018 and 2024 elections as fraudulent by both opposition groups and international observers. The negotiations are being led by Figuera and National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, brother of interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

The releases represent a significant development in Venezuela's ongoing reconciliation process, though hundreds of political prisoners remain detained. Further progress is expected during continued talks between the government and opposition.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.