Venezuela releases nearly 2,200 under new amnesty

Almost 2,200 people have been released from prison or had legal restrictions lifted since the adoption of Venezuela’s new amnesty law, according to ruling party member Jorge Arreaza.

He said 177 people had been released, while more than 2,000 had their obligation to report regularly to the authorities lifted. More than 3,000 applications have been filed, and the courts must decide within 15 days.

However, human rights organisations have criticised the law, arguing that it does not benefit hundreds of political prisoners. The government has long denied their existence, insisting that those detained were convicted of criminal offences.

The amnesty applies to protests and ‘violent actions’ from 2002 to 2025, but does not specify particular acts. It also does not provide for the return of property or the lifting of sanctions against media outlets.

The measure is widely seen as part of an effort to normalise relations with the US after the political upheavals in January.

(reuters, pir)