More than 1,500 political prisoners expected to be released in Venezuela under new amnesty law

The law was voted through this week and applies to Venezuelans arrested during 13 periods of social and political unrest in the country since 1999.

To date, at least 1,557 political prisoners have applied for amnesty.

According to Venezuelan authorities, the applications are being processed “immediately” and could be granted within two weeks. As of Friday evening, 379 political prisoners had already been granted release.

Under Nicolás Maduro's hardline rule, hundreds - likely thousands - were arrested for alleged coup attempts against the authoritarian president.

The historic new law is described as the core of the reforms that interim President Delcy Rodríguez has implemented since the US overthrew and captured Maduro in January.