Venezuelan political prisoners apply for amnesty, 1,557 requests reported

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said 1,557 political prisoners have applied for amnesty and that hundreds have already been released; authorities say the law could ultimately extend to about 11,000 prisoners.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez said a total of 1,557 political prisoners applied for amnesty under a new law introduced on Thursday. He said hundreds of prisoners have already been released and that requests are being addressed immediately. Authorities have also said the legislation would ultimately extend to about 11,000 prisoners, while critics have raised concerns about exclusions. What is known: - Jorge Rodríguez announced 1,557 amnesty requests are being processed and said hundreds have been released. - Officials said the law is intended to cover about 11,000 people in total. - Critics and human rights groups reported that the law appears to exclude those who called for foreign armed intervention and some military officers. - Rodríguez said initial releases are being handled first from Zona Seven of El Helicoide and would take place over the next few hours, according to his statement. Summary: Officials report that amnesty applications are being processed and that some releases are already under way, with early releases reported from the Zona Seven section of El Helicoide. How the law will apply to groups highlighted by critics, including those who called for foreign armed intervention and certain military officers, is a point of contention and remains under debate.