Relatives gather in front of the Helicoide prison to protest and pray for the prompt release of prisoners in Venezuela. The Committee for the Freedom of Political Prisoners called for a vigil outside this prison, considered a symbol of the government’s „torture.“ Venezuela announced on January 8 the release of „a significant number“ of detained opposition members. Nearly 30 hours after the announcement, NGOs report between eight and 11 releases, including two opposition figures and five Spaniards. IMAGES