Opposition activists among 379 prisoners set for release under new amnesty

Venezuelan authorities said 379 people who applied under a newly signed amnesty law are expected to be released this weekend; the law excludes convictions for homicide, drug trafficking, serious human rights violations and military rebellion.

At least 379 people held in Venezuela for political reasons are expected to be released after applying under an amnesty bill that was signed into law this week. The measure is reported to target opposition members, activists, human rights defenders and journalists detained in recent months or years. Its approval represents a reversal from earlier denials by authorities that political prisoners were being held. The timing follows a recent U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of then‑President Nicolás Maduro, which preceded announcements about releases. Reported details: - Venezuelan authorities said 379 amnesty requests had been received and that applicants’ releases were scheduled between Friday and Saturday, with additional releases possible within 15 days, according to Jorge Arreaza, president of the special commission overseeing the law. - The law is described as granting a “general and full amnesty” for crimes or offenses committed during specific politically charged periods since 1999, including acts linked to the 2024 presidential election and its aftermath. - The amnesty explicitly excludes those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, serious human rights violations and military rebellion. - Foro Penal’s vice president Gonzalo Himiob told The Associated Press that some releases have occurred in the state of Barinas but that verification of releases under the amnesty was ongoing. - Human rights organizations have called for the law to be applied more broadly to people they say are held for political reasons; Alfredo Romero of Foro Penal described the exclusions as discriminatory in remarks reported on social media. - Venezuela‑based nonprofit Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness reported 459 releases of people held for political reasons between Jan. 8 and Feb. 20. Summary: The law and the planned releases mark a notable change in official stance on political detainees and may affect hundreds of people held for politically related reasons. Verification of releases is ongoing and authorities have said more releases could be granted within 15 days.