Venezuela's Proposal for General Amnesty Law Sparks Hope Among Families of Political Prisoners

The acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a proposal for a general amnesty law aimed at releasing political prisoners detained since 1999. This significant move, stemming from the ongoing political turmoil linked with Chavismo, was revealed during the opening of the judicial year event at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and broadcasted on state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV). Rodríguez emphasized the need for healing the wounds created by over two decades of political violence in Venezuela. 'We have decided to promote a general amnesty law that covers the entire political period of political violence from 1999 to the present,' she stated, highlighting that this initiative seeks to foster a sense of coexistence and redirect justice within the nation. The proposed amnesty law is significant as it will be presented by the Judicial Revolution Commission and the Program for Coexistence and Peace to the National Assembly. Notably, it excludes individuals convicted of serious offenses such as homicide, drug trafficking, and human rights violations. Rodríguez urged political prisoners not to succumb to revenge or hatred, reinforcing a message of reconciliation. This proposal comes amid longstanding demands from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for a comprehensive amnesty for political detainees. Recent legislative proposals from NGOs like Surgentes and the Committee of Mothers for Truth have called for amnesty for social fighters, journalists, and others persecuted during political unrest, outlining twelve articles advocating for their release. As of January, NGOs report that there are over 700 political prisoners, although the Venezuelan government disputes this, asserting that those detained have committed crimes primarily related to terrorism. The last amnesty law in Venezuela was enacted by former president Hugo Chávez in 2007, while a similar proposal in 2016 faced constitutional challenges. In August 2020, President Nicolás Maduro did grant pardons to several opponents and social actors as part of a legislative election strategy, though the broader opposition largely boycotted the event. Families of political prisoners expressed optimism in response to Rodríguez's announcement. Sandra Rosales, whose partner is currently detained, remarked, 'First of all, God… I know that many people both in the National Assembly and outside desire a change.' Rosales believes that this proposed law could lead to progress for many unjustly detained. Her partner, a police officer, has been held for two months, a situation that she describes as a personal pain compounded by the denial of visitation rights. Similarly, Mariglys Guzmán, whose brother has been detained since March 2023, also found hope in the proposal, stating, 'We will continue to fight until we can hug our loved ones who have also been victims of this terror.' Her brother's involvement in a corruption case tied to the state-owned oil company PDVSA, which she claims has no basis, highlights the frustrations families face with the justice system. Rodríguez's announcement has sparked discussions around the potential for societal healing and the intricate dynamics of Venezuelan politics as families cling to hope for their loved ones' release amidst years of oppression and turmoil. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2