Venezuelan Parliament Greenlights Amnesty For Political Prisoners

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 20 (Bernama-dpa) -- Venezuela's parliament on Thursday approved an amnesty for political prisoners demanded by the opposition, just under seven weeks after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the United States (US), reported German Press Agency (dpa).

The move could result in the release of numerous jailed government opponents, activists and critical journalists.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez introduced the bill in the National Assembly after US special forces captured Maduro on January 3 and took him to New York to face federal drug-trafficking charges.

Since then, Caracas has already released hundreds of political prisoners under pressure from Washington.

According to the non-governmental organisation Foro Penal, Venezuelan authorities have released more than 440 political prisoners since the beginning of the year, while more than 600 others remain in custody.

Many were arrested during protests against Maduro's re-election in 2024, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud.

International organisations and activists had accused the Venezuelan security forces of serious human rights violations. 

--BERNAMA-dpa