Venezuelan lawmakers have passed a new amnesty law that allows hundreds of people prosecuted or convicted for political reasons over the past 27 years to be released.

Axar.az, citing CNN, reports that the measure, proposed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez under pressure from the United States, aims to promote peaceful coexistence and address the legacy of authoritarian rule.

The law covers political prisoners detained since 1999, including opposition figures, journalists, students, and activists, while explicitly excluding those convicted of serious crimes such as homicide, corruption, or crimes against humanity.

Since the law’s passage, over 400 prisoners have reportedly been freed, though official tallies claim more than 800.

Early releases included teachers Luis Alberto Linares Sánchez and Milton José Hidalgo Mendoza, whose charges were dropped in line with the new legislation.

Authorities are expected to continue releasing prisoners swiftly, with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights invited to verify compliance.