Venezuela has announced the release of 99 political prisoners amid ongoing military pressure from the United States, while former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been sentenced to an additional 15 years in prison for corruption linked to the 1MDB scandal. In a related development, China has imposed sanctions on US defense firms following a significant arms deal with Taiwan, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Venezuela's Political Prisoner Release
On Christmas Day, the Venezuelan government claimed to have released 99 individuals detained for participating in protests against the 2024 election, which many believe was rigged by President Nicolás Maduro. Civil society organizations have expressed skepticism, noting that around 900 political prisoners remain incarcerated. The Maduro regime characterized the releases as a gesture of goodwill amid what it describes as an "imperialist siege" by the US. Despite the release, prominent opposition figures, including María Corina Machado, remain in exile or imprisoned, raising concerns about the selective nature of the government's actions.

Najib Razak's Extended Prison Sentence
In Malaysia, Najib Razak, who has been imprisoned since August 2022 for corruption related to the 1MDB fund, received an additional 15-year sentence after being found guilty of abuse of power. This new ruling follows his earlier conviction and adds to the scrutiny surrounding his involvement in one of the largest financial frauds in history, where billions were misappropriated from the state investment fund. The judge emphasized the overwhelming evidence against Najib, countering his claims of political persecution. The ongoing legal battles could further strain the current government's stability, as Najib retains significant influence within the United Malays National Organisation.

China's Sanctions on US Defense Firms
In response to a recent arms sale to Taiwan approved by the Trump administration, China has enacted sanctions against 20 US defense companies, including Boeing. The sanctions freeze any assets held by these firms in China and prohibit domestic entities from engaging with them. This arms deal, valued at over $10 billion, includes advanced military equipment such as medium-range missiles and drones. China's foreign ministry reiterated that the Taiwan issue is a critical point of contention in US-China relations, warning against any actions perceived as provocative.

Wrap-up
The release of political prisoners in Venezuela, Najib Razak's extended prison sentence, and China's sanctions on US defense firms underscore the current geopolitical tensions and internal strife in various regions. These developments highlight the complex interplay between domestic politics and international relations, as countries navigate their interests amid rising global challenges.

Sources
theguardian.com
newsis.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team