Venezuela releases journalist detained during post-election protests

Venezuelan authorities have released a journalist accused of terrorism and arrested after President Nicolas Maduro’s disputed re-election in July, the country’s press association announced on Saturday.

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

“Ana was held captive for more than four months in La Guaira, a coastal town north of the capital Caracas,” the National Union of Press Workers said in a post on social media.

“He was charged with terrorism, inciting hatred and obstructing public roads,” the union said.

Before his arrest, Guaita had covered the toppling of a statue of late President Hugo Chávez, whose legacy Maduro claims as Chávez’s successor, during post-election protests.

Demonstrations broke out across the country after Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 election, despite results published by the opposition showing their candidate had won by a landslide.

27 people were killed, 200 were injured and more than 2,400 were arrested in the protests.

Only a handful of countries, including key Venezuela and Russia, have recognized Maduro’s re-election to a third six-year term.

Guita’s release came hours after authorities announced the release of 200 detainees.

According to the government’s count, 733 people have been released, although the Foro Penal human rights group says the actual number is lower.