Rodriguez: working to build a more just and freer Venezuela

Caraccas, Feb. 21 (SANA)Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said the government is moving to build a more democratic, just and free country, shortly after authorities released hundreds of political prisoners under a newly approved amnesty law.

In a televised address on Friday, Rodríguez said the new phase requires collective efforts and openness toward those with different political views, adding that the government is proceeding “with awareness” while extending a hand to opponents.

Judicial authorities ordered the release of 379 detainees following parliament’s approval of an amnesty law covering political cases retroactively to 1999. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino described the measure as a sign of political maturity and an important step toward national stability.

According to the NGO Foro Penal, 448 political prisoners have been released since conditional releases began in early January, while about 650 remain in detention.

Separately, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares urged the European Union to lift sanctions on Rodríguez, saying sanctions are a means to promote dialogue, not an end in themselves. An EU spokesperson said the bloc is ready to use available tools to support a democratic transition.

The EU imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2017 and later targeted senior officials, including Rodríguez, over alleged human rights violations and democratic backsliding.