Over 3,200 Venezuelans released under countrys latest amnesty law

Venezuela’s National Assembly Reports Amnesty Figures

A special commission of Venezuela’s National Assembly has announced that over 3,200 individuals have been granted full release from prison since the country’s amnesty law took effect last week. The figures include former prisoners and those previously held under house arrest or subject to other restrictive judicial measures.

According to Jorge Arreaza, head of the commission overseeing implementation of the amnesty, a total of 4,203 applications for amnesty have been received since the law was passed on February 20. Of these, 3,052 people were granted full freedom, while 179 individuals who were in prison also had their sentences commuted.

The amnesty legislation was signed into law by interim President Delcy Rodriguez last week, with the aim of easing political tensions and promoting reconciliation. The law applies to those previously held under house arrest or other restrictive measures, but excludes those convicted of terrorism-related charges and those prosecuted for “promoting” or “facilitating … armed or forceful actions” by foreign actors against Venezuela’s sovereignty.

The United Nations human rights experts have welcomed the amnesty with caution, emphasizing that it must apply to all victims of unlawful prosecution and be embedded in a comprehensive transitional justice process consistent with international standards. Meanwhile, hundreds of Venezuelans remain in detention, with some organizations reporting only partial releases under the new law.

Foro Penal, a Venezuela-based prisoners’ rights group, has verified 91 “political releases” since the amnesty law took effect on February 20. The organization has also requested a review of 232 cases currently excluded from the amnesty and reported nearly 600 people remain in detention.

Source: Al Jazeera