Hundreds of political prisoners to be released following amnesty bill

Relatives of people they consider to be detained for political reasons protest holding chains in front of a police station in Caracas (Ariana Cubillos/AP)

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons.

The measure had long been sought by the United States-backed opposition. It is the latest concession Ms Rodriguez has made since taking the reins of the country on January 3 after the brazen seizure of then-president Nicolas Maduro in a US military attack on Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.