Venezuela announces bill that could lead to mass prisoner releases

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a bill that could lead to the release of hundreds detained for political reasons and said the National Assembly will take it up urgently. The government has not released the bill text, and the prisoners' rights group Foro Penal estimates about 711 people remain detained.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons. She told a gathering of justices and magistrates that the ruling party-controlled National Assembly would consider the measure urgently. The government did not publish the bill text on the day of the announcement, leaving the criteria for any amnesty unclear. Rights groups have reported a significant number of people remain detained and have raised concerns about the pace and transparency of recent releases. Known details: - Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the measure and said the National Assembly will take it up urgently. - The government had not published the bill text, so eligibility criteria for any amnesty are not yet known. - The prisoners' rights group Foro Penal estimates about 711 people are detained for political activity and has recorded 302 releases since January 8. Summary: If enacted, the bill could affect hundreds of people detained for political reasons and would mark a notable change in government approach. Rights groups have welcomed the possibility of releases while stressing concerns about transparency; the next procedural step is the National Assembly's urgent consideration of the bill.