Venezuela released 22 prisoners, including high-profile judge Maria Afiuni and journalist Braulio Jatar, on Thursday, according to the UN.
They were released on the same day the UN published a report by its human rights chief Michele Bachelet detailing alleged rights abuses in the country.
Ms Bachelet had separately asked President Nicolás Maduro to release the prisoners, her spokesperson said.
Venezuela said that Ms Bachelet's report was biased.
The 16-page document highlighted the arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and torture of government critics. It also accused the state of removing numerous opponents by extrajudicial killings.
The UN said the prisoner releases may mark a new beginning for the Maduro government on human rights issues, but many were sceptical.
Venezuela remains gripped by a long-running and highly polarised crisis. Pro-government celebrations took place for independence day on Friday, while supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaidó rallied in the capital, Caracas.
Mr Guaidó called for citizens to march on the headquarters of secret services to protest against the brutal killing of a detained naval officer last month, but few joined the demonstration.
Who has been released?
Ms Afiuni, the newly-freed judge, told news site La Patilla that she was surprised by her release and looked forward to rebuilding her life after nine years in detention.
She was detained in 2010, when the country was ruled by President Hugo Chavez and his opposition considered her to be a major political prisoner.
Chávez objected to her releasing a businessman who was accused of corruption. She insisted he had been detained for too long without trial. Part of her time in detention was under house arrest after she claimed she was raped in prison. In March 2019, a court sentenced her to five years.
Venezuela released 22 prisoners, including high-profile judge Maria Afiuni and journalist Braulio Jatar, on Thursday, according to the UN.
They were released on the same day the UN published a report by its human rights chief Michele Bachelet detailing alleged rights abuses in the country.
Ms Bachelet had separately asked President Nicolás Maduro to release the prisoners, her spokesperson said.
Venezuela said that Ms Bachelet's report was biased.
The 16-page document highlighted the arbitrary arrest, ill-treatment and torture of government critics. It also accused the state of removing numerous opponents by extrajudicial killings.
The UN said the prisoner releases may mark a new beginning for the Maduro government on human rights issues, but many were sceptical.
Venezuela remains gripped by a long-running and highly polarised crisis. Pro-government celebrations took place for independence day on Friday, while supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaidó rallied in the capital, Caracas.
Mr Guaidó called for citizens to march on the headquarters of secret services to protest against the brutal killing of a detained naval officer last month, but few joined the demonstration.
Who has been released?
Ms Afiuni, the newly-freed judge, told news site La Patilla that she was surprised by her release and looked forward to rebuilding her life after nine years in detention.
She was detained in 2010, when the country was ruled by President Hugo Chavez and his opposition considered her to be a major political prisoner.
Chávez objected to her releasing a businessman who was accused of corruption. She insisted he had been detained for too long without trial. Part of her time in detention was under house arrest after she claimed she was raped in prison. In March 2019, a court sentenced her to five years.
