Venezuela released more political prisoners from the Zona 7 police detention center in the capital Caracas on Saturday night (March 7), greeted by cheering supporters and family members.

Labor union worker Gilberto Alcala was one of them shouting "freedom" during his first moments out of the detention center.

A released shopkeeper Franklin Parra said he had suffered a terrible experience during his incarceration and former lawmaker Fernando Orozco said he would continue to fight for the release of more political prisoners .

Nearly 2,200 people have been released from Venezuelan jails or had other legal restrictions withdrawn since the start of a new amnesty law, ruling party lawmaker Jorge Arreaza said last month.

The law, passed in February has been criticized by human rights organizations which say it falls short of offering relief for hundreds of political prisoners. It provides amnesty for involvement in political protests and "violent actions" during specific months between 2002 and 2025, but does not detail the exact crimes that are eligible.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

CARACAS, VENEZUELA (MARCH 7, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all) (NIGHT SHOTS)

1. LABOR UNION WORKER, GILBERTO ALCALA GETTING OUT OF A CAR AFTER BEING RELEASED AND SHOUTING (Spanish) "FREEDOM"

2. RELEASED SHOPKEEPER, FRANKLIN PARRA HUGGING A WOMAN AFTER BEING RELEASED

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RELEASED SHOPKEEPER, FRANKLIN PARRA, SAYING:

"There is no explanation. I truly would not wish anyone to go through what we went through. It was very hard. There were very difficult moments, but thank God we are free now."

4. FORMER LAWMAKER FERNANDO OROZCO LEAVING IN A CAR AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM ZONA 7

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) FORMER LAWMAKER, FERNANDO OROZCO, SAYING:

"We are free now. A new Venezuela will keep moving forward, we will keep building, we will keep seeking improvement, and we will keep fighting for the freedom of the other political prisoners. Thank you all very much."

6. RELEASED LAWYER OMAR TORRES TALKING ON THE PHONE NEXT TO HIS DAUGHTER

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) RELEASED LAWYER, OMAR TORRES, SAYING:

"Of course I am very happy about this freedom. As we have said, without attacking anyone or looking for someone to blame, I thank God for this freedom, and now it is time for all of us to keep fighting for our country."

8. TORRES AND HIS FAMILY GATHERING THEIR BELONGINGS OUTSIDE ZONA 7

9. VARIOUS OF RELATIVES OUTSIDE THE ZONA 7 JAIL