The NGO Foro Penal confirms the release of at least 690 political prisoners in Venezuela

Caracas.- The NGO Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 690 political prisoners in Venezuela since January 8, when authorities announced the release of a “significant number” of people, a process that has continued after the approval of the Amnesty Law in February. In a post on X, the president director of the organization, Alfredo Romero, announced the figure, which has a cut-off date this Friday until 6:30 PM local time (10:30 PM GMT). Romero did not break down the number, as NGOs usually do when distinguishing between two types of releases: those in which detainees leave prison but remain subject to judicial proceedings and precautionary measures – such as appearing before courts or not leaving the country – and cases of full freedom, when the person is without charges or judicial restrictions. Nor did it specify the number of releases granted under the amnesty, as its figures include political prisoners released before and after the law was approved, promoted by the acting president Delcy Rodríguez and approved by Parliament, controlled by Chavismo. We recommend reading:

The Amnesty Law in Venezuela

Foro Penal counted 508 political prisoners in Venezuela as of Wednesday, although the Government denies that there are detainees for political reasons and affirms that they face charges for various crimes. On Thursday, the Venezuelan Parliament reported that a total of 7,727 people have benefited from the Amnesty Law. Of that total, 253 were detained and 7,474 had precautionary measures. The Amnesty Law, approved in February by the Legislature, contemplates a period of 27 years, from 1999 – when Chavismo came to power -, but establishes that it will be granted to people linked to 13 “events” that occurred in 13 different years.