Venezuela Frees 17 Political Prisoners Amidst Amnesty Bill Debate

• Venezuela released 17 political prisoners from Zona 7 detention center in Caracas.
• The releases occurred ahead of discussions on a historic amnesty bill aimed at ending the use of courts against dissent.
• The proposed law would free political prisoners from charges related to dissent against Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez over 27 years.
• National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced the releases and called for continued peace.
• The amnesty bill, covering charges like 'treason' and 'terrorism,' is still under parliamentary debate and excludes serious human rights abuses or drug trafficking.