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Venezuela's opposition-controlled congress passes bill freeing political prisoners
Published November 30, 2016
Opposition supporters protest the official results of the presidential election holding a sign that reads in Spanish "Maduro, illegitimate, get out CNE. (AP2013)
Venezuela's opposition-controlled congress has passed legislation aimed at freeing dozens of imprisoned activists, setting up a fight with the socialist administration.
President Nicolás Maduro has vowed to veto the bill. It passed Tuesday night and represents the first major initiative approved by lawmakers since critics of Maduro's government won control of congress in January.
The bill would free more than 70 people considered by lawmakers to be political prisoners, including opposition leader Leopoldo López.
Human rights groups call López the region's highest-profile political prisoner. He was jailed in 2014 for leading a sometimes bloody protest movement.
Socialist officials call the bill an effort to free murderers. They say that if congress overrides Madruo's veto, the Supreme Court will block the legislation. The court has thwarted most congressional action this year.
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https://www.foxnews.com/world/venezuelas-opposition-controlled-congress-passes-bill-freeing-political-prisoners