Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that 1,557 individuals classified as political prisoners have submitted applications for amnesty under new legislation enacted Thursday. The development comes amid ongoing political tensions following the dramatic capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 3rd.
Rodríguez, who serves as both legislative leader and brother to interim President Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed that ‘hundreds’ of detainees have already been released through the program. The government initially promised significant prisoner releases on January 8th as a goodwill gesture following Maduro’s apprehension.
The amnesty process prioritizes inmates from Zona Seven of El Helicoide, Caracas’ notorious detention facility, with Rodríguez indicating releases would occur ‘over the next few hours.’ This aligns with US President Donald Trump’s previous commitment to close the infamous prison following Maduro’s capture.
However, the legislation faces substantial criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations. A primary concern involves specific exclusions within the law, particularly targeting those who advocated for foreign military intervention in Venezuela. Legal experts note this provision appears directly aimed at political figures like Maria Corina Machado, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, though her eligibility remains uncertain.
Additional controversy surrounds the apparent exclusion of military officers who participated in rebellions against Maduro’s administration. Opposition groups maintain that the previous government systematically used political detentions to suppress dissent and silence critics.
The releases occur while Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores remain in US custody awaiting trial on drug and weapons charges. Maduro has pleaded not guilty, maintaining his status as a ‘prisoner of war.’ Meanwhile, families of El Helicoide detainees have reportedly begun hunger strikes demanding their relatives’ freedom.