Venezuela Moves Closer to Amnesty for Political Prisoners Following Parliamentary Approval

On Thursday, Venezuela's Parliament, dominated by the ruling official majority, unanimously approved in a first debate a significant amnesty law project for political prisoners, championed by interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The initiative seeks to address the plight of political prisoners dating back to 1999 when the current regime first came to power. Notably, the bill specifically excludes individuals prosecuted or convicted of serious human rights violations, underlining the government’s attempt to present a selective amnesty. Following this initial approval, the legislation must undergo a second debate, a critical step before its potential enactment. Rodríguez emphasized the importance of engaging various sectors of civil society in consultations, aiming to gather insights and testimonies from a wide range of stakeholders including family members of the incarcerated and the victims of past abuses. Jorge Rodríguez, president of the National Assembly, appointed a special commission, led by deputy Arreaza and including 18 other lawmakers, to facilitate this consultation process. Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the son of current President Nicolás Maduro, and former Minister of Penitentiary Services Iris Varela are part of this commission, indicating the government's commitment to a swift but thorough discussion. During a recent statement, Maduro Guerra likened the struggle of his father, imprisoned in the United States, to that of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, emphasizing a hope for a political landscape devoid of violence and animosity. He expressed that the essence of this legislation is about healing, offering a chance for families to reunite with their loved ones who have been imprisoned under the current regime. This move comes in the context of a broader and gradual release of political prisoners that commenced on January 8, subsequent to the dramatic capture of Maduro and his wife. According to the NGO Foro Penal, at least 383 political prisoners have been freed since that date, marking a significant shift in the governmental stance towards dissent. Venezuelan legislative procedures dictate that a proposed bill undergoes a preliminary discussion aimed at outlining its motives and evaluating its objectives, feasibility, and scope. It will then progress through a detailed consultation phase, allowing for article-by-article scrutiny in a second and final debate before formal approval. This legislative initiative represents a critical moment in Venezuela's turbulent political scenario, raising hopes among many for a potential return to a more democratic framework and the possibility of restorative justice for individuals affected by the long-standing political conflicts in the country. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2