Caracas, Feb 7 (V7N) – Venezuela’s head of parliament, Jorge Rodriguez, said on Friday that the remaining political detainees would be released within days, as he met with relatives of prisoners outside the Zona 7 detention facility in Caracas.

Addressing families gathered at the center, Rodriguez said authorities intended to correct past errors and move quickly to free those still in custody, indicating that releases could begin no later than February 13. It remained unclear whether the commitment applied to all political detainees nationwide or only those held at Zona 7, where several hundred prisoners are believed to be detained.

The pledge followed initial approval in the National Assembly of a draft amnesty law aimed at covering offenses commonly used to prosecute political opponents during nearly three decades of socialist governance. Parliamentary leaders described the bill as a step toward reconciliation after recent political upheaval in the country.

However, Venezuela’s main opposition alliance, the Democratic Unitary Platform, criticized the latest version of the draft law, arguing that it omits significant categories of civilian and military detainees, lacks provisions for victim reparations, and does not guarantee the safe return of political exiles.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has promoted the amnesty initiative as a milestone in rebuilding national unity. Her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, said lawmakers could finalize the bill as early as next week, adding that releases would take place immediately upon its adoption.

Relatives of detainees urged swift action during the meeting, appealing for the return of family members still held in custody. Several said they hoped the parliamentary leadership would follow through on its public commitment.

Rights groups estimate that hundreds of political detainees remain imprisoned across Venezuela, with international observers closely monitoring developments surrounding the proposed amnesty and promised releases.

END/WD/RH/