More Than 1,500 Jailed Venezuelans Apply for Release

More than 1,500 Venezuelans jailed for political reasons have applied for release under a new amnesty law, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced Thursday. He said “hundreds” have already been freed, including the opposition leader, Juan Pablo Guanipa.

Guanipa was released on February 8 but recaptured hours later. The public prosecutor’s office later confirmed he was placed under house arrest, alleging he violated the conditions of his release.

The new amnesty law, unanimously approved on February 19, could eventually apply to 11,000 prisoners. Rodríguez said 1,557 requests are being processed “immediately,” with releases already underway.

Despite this move, there is some criticism of the new law by opposition leaders and human rights groups, who argue it excludes key categories of detainees. Among those left out are military officers accused of rebelling against Maduro’s government and individuals who called for foreign armed intervention, according to the BBC. 

The United States has urged Venezuela to accelerate prisoner releases since President Nicholas Maduro’s capture on January 3. Maduro is currently in U.S. custody with his wife, Cilia Flores, facing drug and weapons charges, and has pleaded not guilty.