Venezuela’s government has released 88 more people detained after protests following last year’s presidential election, the second mass release in two weeks, as pressure mounts from the United States on President Nicolás Maduro.

The New Year’s Day release follows the freeing of 99 detainees on 26 December, bringing the total number released in recent days to at least 187, according to government figures.

In a statement, authorities said the releases were part of a case review process ordered by President Maduro. However, local rights groups said they had verified the release of at least 55 prisoners, most of them freed from the Tocorón prison in central Venezuela.

Some non-governmental organisations have questioned whether the government has released as many detainees as it claims.

Rights groups estimate that around 900 people remain in detention for political reasons, including arrests made before the July 2024 election.

The government denies holding political prisoners, saying those detained were involved in attempts to destabilise the country.

The releases come amid heightened pressure from Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Maduro to leave power, while the United States has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, carried out strikes on vessels it says were linked to drug trafficking, and seized Venezuelan oil tankers.

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