Venezuela released 16 political prisoners verified by a local rights group, but the government said it was processing 1,557 applications under a new amnesty law and that hundreds of people were already being freed. The releases announced Sunday represent the first confirmed group freed since acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed the amnesty measure Thursday, following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. military operation last month.
The amnesty is intended to benefit opposition members, activists, human rights defenders and journalists, but the discrepancy between government claims and verified releases, along with restrictions on freed prisoners, has prompted skepticism from human rights organizations.
The Venezuelan nonprofit Foro Penal, which tracks political prisoners, verified the release of 16 people through Sunday under the amnesty law. National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez said Saturday that 1,557 applications were being processed immediately and that hundreds of people held under detention were already being released. The difference between the claimed volume and verified releases suggests either delays in processing or a smaller actual release than the government indicated.
The amnesty’s limited scope
The amnesty, intended to benefit opposition members, activists, human rights defenders and journalists held for months or years, marks a policy shift following Maduro’s capture. But human rights organizations have reacted with distrust to the law, calling it insufficient because it excludes imprisoned military personnel and those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking and serious human rights violations.
Hundreds remain detained
Since Maduro’s capture last month, a total of 464 people have been released, but more than 600 remain detained, according to Foro Penal.
Restrictions on released prisoners
Released detainees face strict constraints on their newfound freedom. They are banned from speaking to the press, leaving the country and participating in political activities. These restrictions mean that freed prisoners have not truly regained their freedom. The opposition has demanded an amnesty law that grants complete freedom to political detainees.
The Venezuelan Red Cross said Sunday that it would accept the government’s invitation to accompany the release process, providing international oversight of the releases.