Caracas: More than 1,500 people in Venezuela detained for political reasons have filed for amnesty under a newly enacted law and are slated for release, authorities announced Saturday.

According to Anadolu Agency, National Assembly leader Jorge Rodriguez stated that the applications for amnesty have surged to 1,557. The measure, approved on Thursday, is intended to benefit opposition members, activists, journalists, and others. It marks a shift in the stance of authorities, who have previously denied holding political prisoners. This development follows last month's US military raid in Caracas that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.

The new legislation excludes individuals convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, grave human rights abuses, or military rebellion. Rights groups have advocated for the extension of the measure to all those detained for political reasons, irrespective of formal inclusion. Alfredo Romero, head of Foro Penal, expressed concerns on the US social media platform X, stating that excluding imprisoned military personnel and persecuted political figures is discriminatory and unconstitutional, suggesting that without such inclusivity, national coexistence cannot be achieved.

Rodriguez also mentioned that the law applies to individuals under alternative detention arrangements, such as those with reporting requirements or under house arrest. These alternative measures are set to be lifted, granting full freedom to these individuals. Authorities are currently processing requests from over 11,000 people under alternative detention regimes, with their cases to be reviewed by the Dennis Law monitoring committee.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, during the bill's signing, described the measure as a step towards reducing intolerance and opening new avenues for political discussions in Venezuela.