Venezuela Sets Deadline to Free Political Prisoners as Amnesty Law Moves Forward

Post by : Saif Nasser

Venezuela’s National Assembly leader has announced a firm deadline to release people held as political prisoners, creating fresh debate about justice, reform, and political freedom in the country. The statement came as lawmakers moved ahead with an amnesty plan that could allow many detainees to return home within days if the final legal steps are completed.

According to officials, the new measure is meant to cover people who were arrested or charged in connection with political protests, opposition activity, or public criticism of the government. Families of detainees have waited for years in many cases, saying their relatives were jailed not for real crimes but for their political views. The new timeline has given them hope, but also some caution, because similar promises in the past moved slowly or only partly succeeded.

The National Assembly leader said the release process would begin as soon as the amnesty law is fully approved and signed. Lawmakers have already shown strong support for the bill in early voting rounds. The final approval is expected soon. If that happens on schedule, officials say releases could take place within a short and clearly defined period.

The amnesty proposal is designed to reduce political tension and show that the government is ready to lower conflict with opponents. Supporters say it is a practical step toward national healing. They argue that long-running political fights have hurt the country’s economy, social stability, and global reputation. In their view, freeing political detainees can help rebuild trust and open the door for dialogue between rival groups.

However, the plan does not apply to every prisoner. Serious crimes such as violent offenses, corruption, or major drug cases are expected to remain outside the amnesty rules. Lawmakers say the goal is to separate political cases from criminal ones. Still, human rights groups warn that deciding who counts as a political prisoner can be difficult and sometimes controversial.

Rights organizations have often claimed that the number of political prisoners in Venezuela is higher than official figures. They say some detainees are charged under general security laws even when their actions were linked to peaceful protest. Because of this, they are calling for an open and transparent review process. They want clear lists, public criteria, and independent checks so that no qualified prisoner is left behind.

Families of detainees have reacted with mixed emotions. Many feel relief that a deadline has finally been announced. Some have held regular gatherings and silent protests outside prisons and government buildings. They say the human cost has been heavy, with children growing up without parents and households losing their main earners. At the same time, some families say they will only celebrate once their relatives are physically released.

Political analysts say the move may also be linked to wider pressure on Venezuela to improve its human rights record. International observers have often criticized the country over arrests tied to political activity. A broad prisoner release could improve diplomatic ties and reduce external pressure. It could also affect future negotiations between the government and opposition groups.

There are also economic and social angles to consider. Long periods of unrest and political division have discouraged investment and slowed growth. If the amnesty process is handled fairly and quickly, it could send a message of stability. But if it is delayed or applied unevenly, it could deepen distrust instead of reducing it.

The coming days will be important. Lawmakers must complete the legal process, and agencies must prepare the release orders and paperwork. Prisons and courts will need to act in coordination. Observers say the real test is not the announcement of a deadline, but whether the promise is kept in full and on time.

For many Venezuelans, this moment stands as a measure of whether political reform can move from words to action. Releasing political prisoners would not solve every problem the country faces, but it would mark a meaningful step toward easing long-standing tensions and restoring basic rights.