Venezuela's National Assembly commission announced on Tuesday that more than 3,200 people have been released since the Amnesty Law came into effect four days ago. The figure includes former detainees and individuals who were under house arrest or other restrictive measures.
Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who heads the commission overseeing the law, stated that 4,203 applications had been received. After evaluation, 3,052 people previously under house arrest or other restrictions have been granted full freedom, along with 179 individuals who were in prison.
The amnesty excludes those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, military rebellion, or serious human rights violations. The government had promised significant prisoner releases following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro on 3 January, but relatives and human rights groups have criticised the slow pace and restrictive conditions imposed on many after release.
Venezuela-based prisoners' rights group Foro Penal reported on Tuesday that it had verified only 91 'political releases' since the law took effect on 20 February. The group has requested a review of 232 cases currently excluded from the amnesty and noted that nearly 600 people remain in detention.
