In a major political development, authorities in Venezuela have granted amnesty to 379 individuals designated as political prisoners, a move announced by a lawmaker involved in the process and widely reported by international media. The decision follows the enactment of a new amnesty law aimed at addressing years of political tension and detentions tied to protests, dissent, and political conflict.
The amnesty comes after National Assembly of Venezuela — under the leadership of interim authorities — unanimously passed legislation designed to free or pardon those jailed for politically motivated activities spanning several years. The law covers detentions linked to protests, opposition activities, and disputed elections dating back to the early 2000s, though it excludes individuals accused of serious crimes, including military rebellion and human rights violations.
Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed the measure into law, describing it as a step toward forgiveness and national unity. Supporters of the law argue that it marks a symbolic reversal from decades in which the Venezuelan government denied holding political detainees, even as human rights groups documented thousands in custody for political reasons.
Despite the amnesty announcement, relatives of many detainees have expressed disappointment over the slow pace of releases and said that some family members still remain behind bars. Human rights organisations have underscored that amnesty does not guarantee immediate freedom unless individuals meet specific legal criteria and are cleared under the new legislation.
Critics of the amnesty law also caution that the requirement for judicial review before release — overseen by the same courts involved in past prosecutions — could limit its impact and delay meaningful reconciliation. Nevertheless, the move has been welcomed by many observers as a noteworthy step toward easing political divisions in the nation.
