Venezuelan authorities have released 86 teenagers detained during anti-government protests following the disputed presidential election in late July. The release, confirmed by the human rights organization Foro Penal, took place between August 29 and September 1.

According to Foro Penal, the 86 released teenagers include 74 boys and 12 girls from various regions across Venezuela. The specific breakdown provided by Foro Penal indicates that the releases occurred in states including Táchira, Caracas, and Bolívar. The releases were carried out under court-imposed conditions, meaning the teenagers still face certain legal restrictions.

The teenagers, aged between 14 and 17, were among thousands arrested during the widespread demonstrations that erupted after Nicolás Maduro was declared winner of the July 28 election. The election results have been widely contested by the opposition and international observers.

The protests that led to the teenagers’ arrests were part of a broader wave of unrest in Venezuela following the presidential election, which many have claimed was marred by irregularities and heavy-handed government tactics. The government’s response, which included mass detentions and allegations of human rights violations, has drawn significant international criticism. Over 2,400 individuals were detained during the protests, and human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of excessive force used by state security forces.

Foro Penal, which has been actively documenting human rights abuses in Venezuela, noted that while the release of the teenagers is a positive step, it is tempered by the fact that these young individuals remain under legal constraints. The organization also emphasized that the broader context of repression in Venezuela, characterized by arbitrary detentions and the use of force against protesters, continues to be a serious concern.