Venezuela prepares list of political opponents to be freed from jail

CARACAS, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's attorney-general, Tarek William Saab, announced Thursday that a "long list" of people arrested for public demonstrations against the government and violent acts in recent years is being evaluated ahead of their possible release.

Speaking at a press conference, Saab said that the list had been established in a meeting with the country's National Constituent Assembly and Truth Commission.

It is a "long and important list that will be revealed to the country at the right moment," he explained. "It is not about seeing a list and proceeding automatically, the cases are being evaluated."

President Nicolas Maduro promised last week during his swearing-in after securing reelection that he would seek to pardon certain jailed opponents.

Maduro called on the Truth Commission, charged with delivering justice in cases of political violence linked to protests in recent years, to liaise with the right authorities to secure freedom for some detainees.

Saab said that "the announcement made by the president has to do with reconciliation, coexistence and the pacifying of the country. The opposition must understand that political debate and coexistence must be above acts of violence."

On May 25, 22 Venezuelans were freed after being detained for taking part in violent protests.

On May 26, the country released U.S. citizen Joshua Holt and his Venezuelan wife, who had been held for two years on suspicion of espionage and illegally carrying weapons. Enditem