Carrie Conin

Flanked by her brother, the head of the National Assembly, and the interior minister, the interim president said the government has freed more than 400 prisoners in a process Rodriguez says began before the U.S.

seized Maduro.

This message is very clear, that this is a Venezuela opening up to a new political moment, allowing for diverse political and ideological perspectives.

But without elaborating, Rodriguez warned it must be done with respect or the law will be enforced.

Human rights advocates say the number of released political prisoners is much lower and the process too slow.

Carrie Conin, NPR News, Rio de Janeiro.