Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro - Newstrends
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Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro

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Interim President Delcy Rodríguez
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez

Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro

The Venezuelan government has begun freeing detainees identified by human rights organisations as political prisoners, calling the move a goodwill step toward national unity and peaceful coexistence. (AAP News)

Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly and brother of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, announced on state television that a “significant number” of both Venezuelan and foreign detainees would be released immediately, though he did not disclose an exact total or list of names. (Tribune Online)

Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed that five of its citizens, including **Venezuelan-Spanish human rights activist Rocío San Miguel — a prominent lawyer and security specialist detained in February 2024 — were among those freed in the initial wave of releases. (Reuters)

The releases follow the U.S. military operation last weekend that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and brought him to New York to face federal charges, a development that has intensified international pressure on Caracas’ interim government. (ABC News)

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Rodríguez said the move is intended to strengthen peace and reconciliation, but did not clarify whether all those freed would be granted full liberty or subject to conditions such as travel restrictions. (AAP News)

Human rights organisations estimate Venezuela still holds hundreds of political prisoners — possibly more than 800 — many detained after the disputed 2024 election or for critical political activity. Advocates have welcomed the releases with cautious optimism, urging that broader amnesty and systemic reforms are needed to address widespread arbitrary detention and repression. (Tribune Online)

Opposition figures released so far include Biaggio Pilieri, an ally of prominent opposition leader María Corina Machado, and Enrique Márquez, a former electoral authority and 2024 presidential candidate. Videos on social media show released prisoners reuniting with loved ones outside Venezuelan prisons, highlighting the personal impact of the government’s decision. (WDIO.com)

Rodríguez described the releases as part of efforts to promote peace, though critics note the government continues to deny it holds political prisoners, maintaining that those detained were involved in crimes including plots to destabilise the state. (PBS)

International human rights groups and family members of detainees have stressed that while the initial releases are a positive step, sustained transparency and accountability are essential to ensure that the rights of all detainees are respected and that arbitrary detentions do not continue. (PBS)

Venezuela Begins Releasing Political Prisoners in Gesture of Peace After U.S. Seizure of Maduro

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US Government Accused of Cover-Up in Trump Epstein Sexual Abuse Files

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U.S President Donald Trump

US Government Accused of Cover-Up in Trump Epstein Sexual Abuse Files

Democratic lawmakers have accused the United States government of orchestrating the “largest government cover-up in modern history” over allegations that crucial documents relating to Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were withheld from the public. The controversy centers on missing FBI interview summaries tied to a 2019 sexual abuse complaint against the former U.S. president.

The House Oversight Committee, led by Representative Robert Garcia, claims that the Department of Justice (DOJ) failed to release more than 50 pages of interview notes with a woman who alleges she was sexually abused by Trump in the mid-1980s, when she was 13 to 15 years old. While the DOJ released millions of pages under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, investigators and media outlets, including NPR, found that only one summary focusing on Epstein’s actions appears publicly, leaving key follow-up materials missing.

“This is the largest government cover-up in modern history. We are demanding answers,” said Democrats on the Oversight Committee in a statement. Garcia confirmed that his team reviewed unredacted DOJ logs and concluded that FBI interviews with the survivor were not properly disclosed. He announced a parallel congressional investigation to ensure all records are produced.

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The DOJ has denied any wrongdoing, explaining that some materials may fall under exempt categories, such as duplicates, privileged records, or documents linked to ongoing investigations. Officials added that any documents improperly tagged or temporarily removed for privacy reasons will be restored. The department stated it is reviewing flagged files to ensure compliance with the law.

The woman at the center of the allegations first contacted authorities in July 2019, shortly after Epstein’s arrest on sex trafficking charges. Internal DOJ references describe her claim that Epstein introduced her to Trump, who then allegedly assaulted her. However, the public FBI summary does not evaluate the credibility of these allegations, and follow-up interview notes remain unavailable.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the release of the Epstein Files exonerates him. White House statements dismissed cover-up claims as politically motivated, asserting that no law enforcement agency has accused Trump of criminal conduct related to Epstein.

Legal experts and transparency advocates warn that withholding such key materials undermines public trust in U.S. institutions, particularly in high-profile cases involving political figures. The unfolding investigation is expected to intensify scrutiny on the DOJ’s handling of sensitive documents and the broader accountability of government agencies in politically charged cases.

US Government Accused of Cover-Up in Trump Epstein Sexual Abuse Files

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Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Calling for Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

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United Nations General Assembly
United Nations General Assembly

Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Calling for Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Nigeria joined 106 other UN member states in voting for a resolution calling for peace, sovereignty, and humanitarian protection for Ukraine. The vote took place during an emergency special session of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

The resolution, titled “Support for Lasting Peace in Ukraine”, was adopted with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions, including the United States. It calls for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace, an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of civilians forcibly transferred, including children. The General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders.

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock described the war as shattering the peaceful aspirations of Europe and stressed that “war must never be the new normal.” She highlighted that generations in Europe have long lived in peace, but Russia’s invasion disrupted this reality.

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UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the conflict a “stain on our collective conscience” and a continuing threat to regional and international security. He warned that prolonged warfare increases civilian casualties, with 2025 witnessing the highest number of civilian deaths in Ukraine since the invasion began. Guterres urged the international community to “use every diplomatic tool” to secure a full and unconditional ceasefire as a first step toward lasting peace.

During the session, Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa condemned the invasion as a “war against the rules-based international order,” citing attacks on civilians, nuclear threats, and the forced deportation of children as potential war crimes. She reiterated that Ukraine rejects territorial concessions, insists on sovereignty as a red line, and called for stronger sanctions, air defense, binding security guarantees, and accountability for war crimes.

Conversely, the Russian Federation’s delegate rejected the resolution’s narrative, accusing European states of escalating the war while ignoring negotiations. Moscow reaffirmed its preference for diplomacy and stated that any settlement must address “root causes” and reflect “new territorial realities.”

The resolution demonstrates the broad international support for Ukraine, highlights Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, and emphasizes the urgent need for peaceful conflict resolution and adherence to international law as Russia’s invasion enters its fifth year.

Nigeria Joins 106 Nations in UN Vote Calling for Ceasefire, Peace in Ukraine

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Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

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Israeli settlers torch West Bank mosque

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

TELL, West Bank — Israeli settlers have vandalized and set fire to the Abu Bakr al-Siddiq Mosque in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, authorities confirmed, marking the latest in a series of attacks on Palestinian religious sites amid a surge in settler violence. The attack occurred early Monday during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Worshippers arriving for morning prayers discovered the mosque’s entrance smoldering, with black smoke staining the doorway and broken glass scattered across the area. According to the Palestinian Authority Ministry of Religious Affairs, settlers spray-painted offensive graffiti, including derogatory references to Islam and slogans linked to extremist “price tag” operations.

Local resident Munir Ramdan described the scene: “I was shocked when I opened the door. The fire had been burning here, the glass was broken, and the door was damaged.” Security footage reportedly shows two individuals carrying gasoline and spray paint approaching the mosque before fleeing the scene.

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The incident is part of a broader pattern of attacks on mosques in the West Bank, with the Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs reporting that 45 mosques were vandalized or attacked last year. Residents said the assault was a deliberate provocation during Ramadan, targeting both the religious sanctity of the mosque and the spiritual practice of fasting.

The Israeli military and police responded to reports of the incident and are actively searching for suspects. While the military condemned harm to religious institutions, Palestinian officials and rights groups say Israeli authorities often fail to hold settlers accountable for violence.

The attack comes amid a recent rise in settler violence, including last week’s killing of a 19-year-old Palestinian-American, Nasrallah Abu Siyam, highlighting ongoing tensions between settlers and Palestinian communities in the occupied territories.

Israeli Settlers Torch, Deface West Bank Mosque During Ramadan

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