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Three Former Caracas Police Officers Released After 23 Years in Prison

KVIA•Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12:55 PM•CNN Newsource

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Three former police officers from Caracas, Erasmo Bolívar, Luis Molina, and Héctor Rovain, were released from prison after serving over two decades for their alleged involvement in a 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chávez. Their release, confirmed by the NGO Foro Penal, comes as part of a broader announcement by Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, who stated that around 300 individuals would be freed this week. The three men were convicted in 2009 of attempted homicide, but their families and opposition groups maintain their innocence. This release is seen as a step towards addressing the issue of political prisoners in Venezuela, although concerns remain about the government's commitment to genuine reforms.

Key Details: • Erasmo Bolívar, Luis Molina, and Héctor Rovain were released after 23 years in prison. • They were convicted in 2009 related to a coup attempt against Hugo Chávez in 2002. • Jorge Rodríguez announced the release of 300 detainees this week, including the three officers. • Foro Penal emphasizes the need for genuine actions beyond mere rhetoric from the government.

human-rights venezuela political-prisoners amnesty forensic-justice

People & Organizations

VenezuelaCaracasBarquisimetoAlfredo RomeroForo PenalGonzalo HimiobJorge RodríguezNational Assembly of VenezuelaErasmo BolívarLuis MolinaHéctor Rovain

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