We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The organisation Foro Penal has long called for the release of political prisoners in the country. Alamy Stock Photo

Irish citizen among prisoners released from Venezuelan jail after US capture of Nicolas Maduro

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it has provided assistance to the individual involved.

AN IRISH PERSON was amongst those released from Venezuelan prisons after the US captured and arrested the former president of the country Nicolas Maduro. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs today confirmed that it provided consular assistance to the citizen who was involved. 

It’s understood that the person was released via a plane that carried ex-prisoners from multiple countries, which landed in in Prague over the weekend.

Reuters reported initially on the flight. 

One of the prisoners released was a Czech citizen who was detained by Venezuelan authorities who’d accused him of planning to take part in a plot to kill Maduro. 

The Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka said that a group of prisoners were released, which included nationals from Ireland, Romania, Germany, Albania, Ukraine and the Netherlands. 

“After several weeks of intense negotiations, we managed to secure (his) release,” Macinka said of the Czech citizen. 

Venezuela has said that more than 400 people have been released but rights groups have reported that the figure is smaller.

The group Foro Penal said two days ago that the number released since 8 January is 139. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
25 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds