Venezuelan prisoner’s son warns Trump over release pledge

The son of a jailed Venezuelan opposition leader warned US President Donald Trump not to be misled by government promises to free political prisoners.

Ramón Guanipa said he believes Trump is unaware that only around 40 releases have been independently confirmed out of more than 800 detainees.

The Venezuelan government announced last week it would free political prisoners as a goodwill gesture following recent diplomatic tensions.

Trump welcomed the move on social media, saying authorities had “started the process, in a BIG WAY.

Venezuelan officials later claimed more than 100 prisoners had been released, a figure disputed by human rights groups.

Some high-profile detainees have been freed, including several Spanish citizens, according to Spain’s foreign ministry.

Relatives of remaining prisoners said frustration is growing over what they describe as slow and limited progress.

Human rights organisations said they are continuing to verify releases amid a lack of transparency from authorities.