Over 1,500 Political Prisoners Apply for Amnesty in Venezuela Following New Law

Caracas. Within days of a new general amnesty law being implemented in Venezuela, more than 1,500 political prisoners have applied for amnesty. According to Jorge Rodriguez, President of the National Assembly, proceedings have immediately begun for a total of 1,557 cases.

Rodriguez stated at a press conference on Saturday that the process of releasing hundreds of detainees under the amnesty has already begun. According to him, 80 inmates currently held in the capital's prison have already been released.

The National Assembly unanimously passed the historic law two days ago. The law stipulates that amnesty is not automatic; the concerned individual must file a petition with the court handling their case. Jorge Areza, the parliamentarian overseeing the amnesty process, informed on Friday that prosecutors had requested the court to release 379 detainees. These include opposition leaders, human rights activists, journalists, and activists.

The new law was advanced by interim President Delcy Rodriguez. This move comes after leftist leader Nicolas Maduro was detained following US military action. However, opposition parties and human rights groups have criticized the law. Alfredo Romero, president of the rights organization Foro Penal, called the exclusion of certain groups discriminatory and unconstitutional.

The government has clarified that amnesty will not apply to those accused of promoting armed activities with the support of foreign powers. Further releases are expected within the next 15 days.