Venezuela Plans Amnesty Law, Pledges Major Prison Center Conversion
The Venezuelan government has introduced a proposed amnesty law anticipated to impact numerous political prisoners in the nation. During an event at the Supreme Court of Justice, interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced this initiative while revealing plans to convert the notorious Helicoide detention center in Caracas into a facility for sports and social services.
Overview of the Amnesty Law
Rodriguez remarked that the amnesty law aims to address historical issues stemming from political violence and extremism. The law would apply to cases from 1999 to the present but will exclude those involved in serious crimes, such as human rights abuses and drug trafficking.
Political Prisoners in Focus
- Rights group Foro Penal reports 711 political prisoners currently detained.
- Many detainees are facing charges such as terrorism and treason, which advocates consider unjust.
- The law is seen as a potential avenue for justice, freedom, and national reconciliation.
Foro Penal expressed cautious optimism regarding the proposed law, hoping it would foster peace and justice. They also urged the government to continue releasing prisoners while the law undergoes approval.
Helicoide Detention Center Transformation
The Helicoide center, long criticized for its alleged human rights violations, will undergo significant changes. Originally designed as a shopping mall, it has become a symbol of government repression. A United Nations report from 2022 highlighted accounts of torture occurring within its walls, a claim the Venezuelan government disputed.
Releases and Future Actions
- Foro Penal confirmed that 303 political prisoners have been released since January 8.
- The government claimed over 600 individuals were released but lacked details or an official list.
Advocates for prisoner release, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, believe the amnesty law is a result of international pressure, particularly from the United States. Machado, who has relatives imprisoned, hopes the law leads to reuniting families.
In recent developments, the U.S. embassy in Venezuela stated that all American citizens previously detained in the country have been released, raising further hopes for changes in Venezuela’s judicial landscape.
