Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuela representation President Delcy Rodriguez An amnesty bill was announced on Friday that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons.
The US-backed opposition has long sought such action. This is the latest concession made by Rodriguez since he took office on January 3 Brazen takeover to the president at the time Nicolas Maduro In an American military attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Rodriguez told a gathering of judges, ministers, army officers and other government leaders that the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party, would consider the draft law urgently.
“May this law serve as a healing for the wounds left by the political confrontation fueled by violence and extremism,” she added in the pre-broadcast televised event. “Maybe it will work to redirect justice in our country, and work to redirect coexistence among Venezuelans.”
Rodriguez also announced the closure of Helicoid Prison, a prison in Caracas where torture and other torture takes place Human rights violations It has been documented repeatedly by independent organizations. FacilityShe said it would be transformed into a sports, social and cultural center for the police and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Rodriguez announced to some officials that former prisoners and human rights monitors were accused of ordering abuses at Heliquid and other detention facilities.
Relatives of some prisoners broadcast Rodriguez’s speech live by phone as they gathered outside Heliquid. Some cried. Many chanted “Freedom! Freedom!”
“God is good. God has heard us,” said Johanna Chirinos, the aunt of one of the prisoners, with tears streaming down her face.
Opposition Leader W Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado He said in a statement that the announced measures were not taken “voluntarily, but rather in response to pressure from the American government.” She also noted that people have been detained for their political activities for a period ranging from one month to 23 years.
“The repressive apparatus of the regime is brutal and has responded to many of the criminal forces that are subject to this regime, and this is all that remains,” Machado said. “When oppression disappears and fear disappears, that will be the end of tyranny.”
Venezuelan prisoners’ rights group Foro Penal appreciates this There are 711 people in detention facilities across the South American country due to their political activities. Of these, 183 were sentenced.
Among the prominent members of the political opposition who have yet to be arrested Presidential elections 2024 Former legislator Fredy Soberlano, Machado’s lawyer Perkins Rocha, as well as Juan Pablo Guanipa, the former governor and one of Machado’s closest allies, remain in prison.
The government did not publish the text of the bill on Friday, leaving unclear the specific criteria that would be used to determine who is eligible for amnesty.
Rodriguez said the “general amnesty law” would cover “the entire period of political violence from 1999 to the present.” She also clarified that people convicted of murder, drug trafficking, corruption or human rights violations would not be eligible for relief.
Rodriguez’s government announced earlier this month plans to release a large number of prisoners as a goodwill gesture, but relatives of detainees condemned the slow pace of their releases.
Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, said on social media: “A general amnesty is welcome as long as its elements and conditions include all civil society, without discrimination, do not become a cloak for impunity, and contribute to dismantling the repressive apparatus of political persecution.”
The organization has counted 302 issues since the January 8 announcement.
In a statement, the “Provia” human rights group called out the lack of transparency and the “scanty” pace of prisoner releases. She also stressed that although the release of people still detained “is urgent, the declaration of amnesty should not, under any circumstances, be considered an act of clemency or clemency on the part of the state.”
The organization said: “We recall that these people were arbitrarily imprisoned for exercising the rights protected by international human rights instruments, the national constitution, and Venezuelan laws.”
US Department of State She confirmed on Friday that all US citizens known to be held in Venezuelan prisons have been released. It also announced that Laura Dugo, who will assume the position of its chief diplomat in Venezuela, will arrive in the capital on Saturday.
Outside another detention facility in Caracas, Eduard Ocariz, who was detained for more than five months after the 2024 elections, joined relatives of prisoners in calling for the speedy release of their loved ones.
“We, Venezuelans, have endured a lot,” Ocariz said. “We are all unjust, merciless and trampling on our dignity. No one deserves this.” Today, the guilty ones still rule Venezuela.”