Venezuela says 116 prisoners released after reports of delays

The Penitentiary Services Ministry said 116 people were released in recent hours while rights group Foro Penal reported a lower number; the announcements follow days of reported delays and come amid political turmoil after President Nicolas Maduro's capture and New York court appearance.

Venezuela's government announced that 116 prisoners were released "in the past few hours," while rights groups reported a lower figure amid earlier reports of delays. Rights organization Foro Penal had said earlier on Monday that 41 people had been freed, including 24 overnight. The announcement came after a week of political turmoil in Caracas linked to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his appearance in a New York court on drug trafficking charges. Key details: - The Penitentiary Services Ministry announced 116 releases "in the past few hours." - Foro Penal reported a lower figure earlier on Monday, saying 41 people had been freed, including 24 overnight. - The ministry said those freed had been deprived of liberty for acts "associated with disrupting the constitutional order and undermining the stability of the nation." - The announcements follow reports of delays over three days and come after political developments involving President Nicolas Maduro and his New York court appearance. - Foro Penal had said at the start of the year that about 800 people were being held as political prisoners; the government denies detainees are held for political reasons. Summary: The government and rights groups offer different counts of recent releases, and the timing follows reports of delayed transfers. Undetermined at this time.