CARACAS, Venezuela — Scenes of joy are occurring in Venezuela as nearly 80 political prisoners are experiencing freedom for the first time in years.
One of those prisoners, Emirlendris Benitez, is home again with her family after spending eight years in prison. Says she could barely believe she was being released after being accused of involvement in the 2018 drone explosions that the government reported as an attempt on Nicolas Maduro’s life.
Her 72-year-old mother also couldn’t believe it, saying her daughter wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Benitez’s case gained notoriety because of the torture she endured.
She was beat, kicked and had a bag placed over her head until she could no longer breathe. She didn’t think she would survive.
Benitez now uses a wheelchair after she says she didn’t receive prompt medical attention for a health condition.
The prisoner release is the first major shake-up in Venezuelan politics since negotiations began to chart a path towards free elections.
Benitez and her mother say they forgive her abusers and hope the negotiations will lead to the release of all political prisoners.
In court, Benitez found out she has not fully recovered her freedom.
She still will be required to make a court appearance every three months, and many others also saying they have been granted alternative detention measures, but not full freedom.
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