Venezuela's justice system announced on Friday the release of 379 political prisoners, only a day after the National Assembly approved a historic amnesty law driven by the interim government following the recent detention of Nicolás Maduro by the United States. The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, defended the law in a televised address, stating that it represents a step towards a 'more democratic, fair, and free Venezuela.' The law aims to provide relief to many individuals previously imprisoned for political reasons and signals a potential shift in the government’s approach to political dissent.

In a television interview, Deputy Jorge Arreaza, who heads the legislative commission responsible for drafting the law, confirmed that the individuals benefiting from this decision should be released in the early hours and morning of Saturday, with specific numbers released from various states including 371 from Caracas, 5 from Barinas, 2 from Portuguesa, and 1 from Monagas. This decision comes as an effort to address the large number of political prisoners in the country, which has been a significant concern raised by human rights organizations. Before this announcement, there were approximately 650 political prisoners still detained according to the NGO Foro Penal.

The enactment of this amnesty law could have broader implications for Venezuela's political landscape, especially as it follows significant international developments, including the U.S. government’s actions against Maduro. While the law aims to promote reconciliation and a more inclusive political environment, the underlying tensions and previous accusations of political repression remain, making the true efficacy of the amnesty law yet to be seen. This situation will be closely monitored by both national and international observers as it unfolds, with hopes that it may signal a turning point for Venezuelan democracy.