Venezuela releases journalist detained during post-election protests

By AFP

Venezuelan authorities released a journalist accused of terrorism and arrested in the aftermath of President Nicolas Maduro's disputed July reelection, the country's press union announced Saturday.

Ana Carolina Guaita, arrested on August 2, is a reporter for La Patilla, an outlet that is often critical of the government.

"Ana was imprisoned for more than four months" in La Guaira, a coastal city north of the capital Caracas, the National Union of Press Workers said in a post on social media.

"She was accused of terrorism, incitement to hatred and obstruction of public roads," the union said.

Before her arrest, Guaita had covered the toppling of a statue of late president Hugo Chavez -- whose legacy Maduro claims as his heir -- during post-election protests.

Demonstrations across the country erupted after Maduro was proclaimed the winner of the July 28 election, despite results published by the opposition appearing to show their candidate won by a landslide.

The protests left 27 dead, 200 injured and more than 2,400 under arrest.

Only a handful of countries, including key Venezuela ally Russia, have recognized Maduro's reelection to a third six-year term.

Guaita's release came hours after authorities announced the release of 200 detainees.

According to the government's count, 733 people have been released, though the Foro Penal human rights group says the true number is lower.