Venezuela Ends Political Prisoner Release Program

Human rights groups in Venezuela have criticized interim President Delcy Rodríguez's statement that a scheme to release political prisoners is coming to an end. The program, implemented via an amnesty law by the National Assembly, has been active for nine weeks.

Foro Penal, a prisoner rights group, reported that nearly 500 political prisoners have been released, but more than 500 are thought to still be incarcerated. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced during a meeting of justice officials in Caracas that 8,616 people had been freed under the amnesty law.

She described the initiative as very successful in terms of its scope and number of beneficiaries. Rodríguez added that cases not covered by the law could be addressed through other avenues.

vice-president Gonzalo Himiob stated that only another legislative act or referendum could undo the amnesty law, which has no expiration date. He noted that the administration of justice bodies lacked the willingness or capacity to apply the law while respecting its purpose.

Provea, a watchdog group, called the move arbitrary and unconstitutional, stating it does not contribute to processes of co-existence and peace. The Justice, Encounter and Pardon group described the announcement as a grave assault on the rule of law.

The group said the law ended up being an exercise in political rhetoric rather than a genuine instrument for restoring freedom to political prisoners. These organizations emphasized that the amnesty law was a step toward dismantling repressive frameworks affecting Venezuelans' rights.

The amnesty law was initially announced by Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly and brother of Delcy Rodríguez. He stated that 1,557 political prisoners had applied for amnesty, with the legislation eventually covering 11,000 people. Foro Penal reported that as of April 20, 473 individuals classified as political prisoners had been released.

Delcy Rodríguez, previously a lieutenant of former President Nicolás Maduro, has positioned her interim administration as more permissive of political dissent. Maduro's government had used detentions to suppress dissent. US forces seized Maduro in January, and he was taken to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges.

The interim administration has received support from the United States, including the lifting of sanctions on Delcy Rodríguez earlier this month. Washington cited progress in promoting stability, supporting economic recovery, and advancing political reconciliation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the situation as a transition phase before free and fair elections. Opposition leader María Corina Machado stated she would lead the country when the right time comes. Critics have noted little discussion of democratic elections since Maduro's seizure.

The release of political prisoners, including colleagues of Machado, was a key concession to the US by the interim administration.