A day after Venezuelan authorities announced the release of a "significant number" of political prisoners, human rights monitors say only eight releases have been confirmed so far, raising questions about the scope and pace of the government's pledge.
Alfredo Romero, director of Foro Penal, said in a message posted around midday, Caracas time, that his organization had verified the release of eight political prisoners as of 11:00 a.m. local time. The individuals confirmed as freed include opposition figures Enrique Márquez and Biagio Pilieri, as well as five Spanish nationals and one dual Spanish-Venezuelan citizen.
