In brief
Ramón Guanipa, the son of jailed opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, warns President Trump against being misled by the Venezuelan government concerning prisoner releases. He notes that only around 40 out of over 800 political prisoners have been confirmed released, despite claims of significant progress by the government. There is rising skepticism concerning the government's intentions and the actual number of released detainees, as relatives of those still imprisoned express frustration and urgency for action.
The son of a jailed Venezuelan opposition leader has warned Donald Trump to not be fooled by the country's government, amid accusations it has not kept its promise to release a significant number of political prisoners.
Ramón Guanipa, the son of Juan Pablo Guanipa, believes the US president is unaware that only about 40 out of more than 800 political prisoners had reportedly been confirmed released.
On Saturday, Trump thanked the Venezuelan authorities, saying they had started the process, in a BIG WAY.
The Venezuelan government announced on Thursday it would release detainees considered political prisoners by human rights groups as a goodwill gesture.
The move came after the US seized Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro in a raid on Caracas on 3 January, where he was charged with drug trafficking.
On Monday, the government reported that more than 100 prisoners had been released— a number far greater than what has been confirmed by human rights campaigners.
Some high-profile opposition figures have been released, including five Spanish citizens confirmed by Spain's foreign ministry.
However, relatives continue to express frustration over the small number of prisoners freed, with Guanipa stating, if he thinks this is going alright, it is not.
Guanipa has only been allowed to visit his father once since his arrest and feels desperate about the situation.
The Venezuelan government has not commented on the pace of the releases, intensifying skepticism regarding its intentions in cooperating with the US.
Outside El Helicoide, the atmosphere remains tense as families keep vigil, desperately seeking answers about their loved ones who remain detained.
