The figures announced Tuesday cover both former prisoners and individuals who had been under house arrest or other restrictive judicial measures.
A special commission of Venezuela’s National Assembly says that more than 3,200 people have been fully freed since the country’s new amnesty law came into effect last week.
The figures announced Tuesday cover both former prisoners and individuals who had been under house arrest or other restrictive judicial measures.
Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who heads the commission overseeing the amnesty’s implementation, told a news conference that authorities received 4,203 amnesty applications after the law was passed on February 20. Of these, 3,052 people previously under house arrest or similar restrictions have been granted full freedom, and another 179 individuals who were in prison have been released.
Last week, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez signed the amnesty law after it was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly, saying it was aimed at reducing political tensions, encouraging reconciliation, and speeding up the release of political prisoners.
Rodriguez described the law as a sign that political leaders were “letting go of a little intolerance” and opening new political paths in the country.
Opposition figures have criticised the amnesty, saying it excludes certain offences that have been used to target opponents of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Critics argue that it does not apply to people charged with “promoting” or “facilitating … armed or forceful actions” by foreign actors, and also excludes members of the security forces convicted on terrorism‑related charges.
United Nations human rights experts welcomed the amnesty “with caution,” saying it should be part of a broader transitional justice process consistent with international standards.
Venezuela‑based prisoners’ rights group Foro Penal said it has verified only 91 political releases since the law took effect, and that nearly 600 people remain detained.
Hundreds or perhaps thousands of Venezuelans were jailed in recent years over alleged plots to overthrow the government before Maduro’s capture by US forces.
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