Venezuela releases 17 political prisoners as lawmakers debate an amnesty bill aimed at ending political prosecution under past regimes

CARACAS: The head of Venezuela’s parliament said Saturday that 17 political prisoners had been released, as discussions continue over the adoption of an amnesty bill designed to end the use of courts to crack down on dissent.

“Under the Amnesty Law, 17 people deprived of their liberty in Zona 7 are being released at this moment,” National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez wrote on social media, referring to the detention center in capital Caracas.

“Let us continue this path of peace for the construction of democratic coexistence among brothers and sisters.”

Rodriguez did not publish the names of those released.

The amnesty law, if enacted, is expected to cover all charges brought against dissidents who opposed the rule of ousted leader Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez over the past 27 years.

Lawmakers on Thursday postponed its adoption after failing to reach an agreement on how to apply it.

Thousands of opposition supporters had poured into the streets of Caracas ahead of the debate over the bill to demand the release of all remaining political prisoners.

Members of the National Assembly backed the bill on a first reading last week and had been expected to adopt it on Thursday after a second reading.

But it hit a snag, with pro-government and opposition lawmakers clashing over an article requiring would-be beneficiaries to appear in court to request the amnesty.

 The Sun Malaysia