Pierce Carey Kahn

The release was announced more than a week ago by Jorge Rodriguez, the brother of Venezuela's interim president.

He also heads the National Assembly.

President Trump praised the move as, quote, a powerful humanitarian gesture.

However, Gonzalo Imiop of the advocacy group Foro Penal says it never happened.

He says more than 400 people are still being held for political reasons.

In western Venezuela, inmates at a prison clashed with guards after burning mattresses and protesting what they say are inhumane conditions.

Carrie Khan, NPR News, Caracas.