The State Department on Saturday praised the release of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who has been put under house arrest.

"The United States welcomes the transfer of Leopoldo Lopez to house arrest after more than three years in prison. This is a significant step in the right direction by the government of Venezuela," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Nauert called for "the full restoration of Mr. Lopez’s liberty and his political rights" as well as for the release of the hundreds of other political opposition leaders who have been arrested by the Venezuelan government.

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The nation's Supreme Court decided to place Lopez under house arrest because of health problems.

"By the power of Supreme Court Judge Maikel Moreno, the criminal court of the Supreme Court Justice grants house arrest to Leopoldo Lopez due to health problems," the court said in a tweet.

President Trump had called for the release of the opposition leader in February, after Lopez's wife visited the White House.

The government detained Lopez over accusations of inciting violence at anti-government protests in 2014.

One of Lopez's relatives confirmed the news of his release to CNN, which highlighted the court's decision. Details about his physical condition were not immediately available.

National Assembly Vice President Freddy Guevara called his release "a step toward freedom," the news outlet reported.

"Venezuela, this is a step toward freedom," Guevara reportedly said outside of Lopez's home. "If continuing my fight for freedom means going back to Ramo Verde (Prison), I am ready to do it."

Guevara used the decision as a rallying cry for their efforts to change the government.

"I reiterate to you my commitment to fight until we conquer freedom," he said, pointing out the plebiscite voting day on July 16.

Opposition to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's administration comes amid economic turmoil in the South American state that has fueled large protests.