CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan National Assembly officials reported Tuesday that more than 3,200 individuals have gained their complete freedom following the implementation of a new Amnesty Law just four days prior. The beneficiaries include both imprisoned individuals and those who had been living under house arrest or similar restrictions.
During a press briefing, National Assembly member Jorge Arreaza, who chairs the commission responsible for implementing the amnesty program, revealed that officials have processed 4,203 applications so far.
According to Arreaza’s breakdown of the approved cases, 3,052 individuals who had been living under house arrest or similar constraints have received complete freedom. An additional 179 people who were serving prison sentences have also been released.
Following the January 3rd arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro, the current administration pledged to free substantial numbers of detained individuals. Critics, including family members and human rights organizations, have expressed frustration with what they view as a sluggish release process and overly restrictive conditions imposed on those who have been freed.
The amnesty program does not extend to those found guilty of murder, narcotics trafficking, military insurrection, or severe human rights abuses.
However, Venezuelan prisoner advocacy organization Foro Penal reported Tuesday that they have confirmed just 91 “political releases” since the amnesty program began on February 20. The group has also requested reconsideration of 232 cases that were initially denied amnesty benefits, noting that approximately 600 individuals remain in custody.
