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Venezuela to free 300 prisoners this week, top lawmaker says

By Reuters Reuters
Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reacts during a second discussion on a new mining law expected to open the sector to private and foreign investment, in Caracas, Venezuela March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria
Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reacts during a second discussion on a new mining law expected to open the sector to private and foreign investment, in Caracas, Venezuela March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria Leonardo Fernandez Viloria Reuters

The head of Venezuela's National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, on Tuesday said that 300 prisoners will be released from jail between Monday and Friday.

The group is set to include three police officers who have been in custody since 2003, people with medical conditions, and those over the age of 70.

Rodriguez, the brother of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, did not specify whether the 300 people are covered by an amnesty law passed in February. Venezuela's government has always denied holding political prisoners and says those jailed have committed crimes.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon)

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect.

This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 2:43 PM.

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