Venezuela frees 300 political prisoners under amnesty law

Venezuelan National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez announced that 300 inmates will be released this week under the country’s Law of Amnesty for Democratic Coexistence. The releases include individuals convicted for participation in the 2002 coup attempt against former President Hugo Chávez, as well as minors, elderly detainees, pregnant women and persons with health problems.

The amnesty law, approved by the Assembly earlier this year, has already benefited thousands of applicants; officials say roughly 800 prisoners have been freed since January, with 186 released through the amnesty provision. The government reports that more than 8,000 people have received some benefit from the legislation.