CARACAS: Venezuela released three former police officers on Tuesday who spent more than two decades behind bars under an amnesty law set to free hundreds of political prisoners this week.
Venezuela has released hundreds of political detainees since US forces captured autocratic leader Nicolas Maduro in a stunning raid on the capital Caracas on January 3.
The landmark amnesty law, which was adopted in February, is one of the most significant reforms passed by Maduro’s successor Delcy Rodriguez, under pressure from Washington.
National assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez — the interim leader’s brother — said Tuesday that Venezuela will release 300 political detainees in the coming days.
“Between yesterday and this Friday, 300 people will be released, some involved in proven criminal acts but (others) who are minors, over 70 years old or suffering from medical conditions,” Jorge Rodriguez said.
