Venezuela receives more than 1,500 amnesty requests under new law

"More than 370 political prisoners have already been granted amnesty under the US-backed legislation. More than 1,5000 political prisoners in Venezuela have applied for amnesty under a new law that came into effect just a few days ago, according to the head of the country's legislature. A total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds of people deprived of their freedom are already being released under the amnesty law, National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez told a news conference on Saturday."

"Amnesty is not automatic under the law: petitioners must ask the court handling their cases. On Friday, the lawmaker overseeing the amnesty process, Jorge Arreaza, announced that prosecutors had asked courts to free 379 prisoners. They include opposition members, activists, human rights defenders, journalists and many others detained for months or even years. So far, 80 prisoners have been freed, Rodriguez told the AFP news agency on Saturday. All of those released had been detained in the capital, Caracas, he said, without offering further details."

"Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, the sister of the top lawmaker, pushed for the United States-backed legislation after she rose to power following the US's abduction of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro during a military raid on January 3. The legislation's approval marked a reversal for Venezuelan authorities, who have for decades denied holding political prisoners and say those jailed have committed crimes."

More than 370 political prisoners have been granted amnesty under the US-backed legislation. A total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds of detained people are already being released, National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez said. Amnesty is not automatic; petitioners must request relief from the courts handling their cases. Prosecutors asked courts to free 379 prisoners, including opposition members, activists, human rights defenders, journalists and others detained for months or years. So far, 80 prisoners have been freed; all had been detained in Caracas. Further releases could be granted within 15 days. Opposition figures criticized the law for apparent carve-outs for some offences.

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