The gradual release of prisoners in Venezuela entered a third day on Saturday, as families continued to gather outside prisons hoping to reunite with detained relatives following a government promise of a “goodwill” release.

Among those freed was Diógenes Angulo, who had spent a year and five months in detention after being arrested at 17 for posting a video of an opposition protest ahead of the 2024 presidential election. His release sparked emotional scenes as relatives waited nearby for similar news. Angulo said his faith sustained him in prison and expressed hope that others would soon be freed.

Despite the government’s pledge, rights group Foro Penal said fewer than 20 detainees had been released by Saturday, while 809 people remained imprisoned. Authorities have not published a list or total number of those eligible for release, deepening uncertainty for families and activists.

Those detained include opposition politicians, activists, journalists and military personnel. Several high-profile opposition figures arrested after the 2024 election remain behind bars, while some released individuals have described their freedom as conditional rather than absolute.

President Donald Trump welcomed the releases, saying they came at Washington’s request, days after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a nighttime raid in Caracas. Their removal has triggered both pro-government demonstrations inside Venezuela and sharp condemnation from acting authorities.

The developments come as Venezuela and the United States cautiously explore restoring diplomatic relations severed in 2019. Meanwhile, families continue to wait outside prisons, watching hours pass with little information, uncertain whether the promised releases will expand in the days ahead.