Venezuelan Inmates Release Some Prison Hostages After Negotiations

Venezuelan authorities say inmates took more than 50 guards and other prison workers hostage earlier this month but have released more than two dozen after negotiations.

Regional prison administrator Reinaldo Rangel says inmates agreed to release 25 hostages over the weekend and that 26 others are still being held captive.

Rangel says inmates at the Tocuyito prison in north-central Venezuela released the group of captives after authorities agreed to transfer 30 prisoners to other facilities.

His remarks on Sunday were the most detailed by a government official since activists reported the hostages seized on Oct. 14.

He said Monday that talks with prisoners are ongoing. The inmates are demanding improved prison conditions.