Over 1,500 Venezuelans seek amnesty under countrys new law

Venezuela’s National Assembly Approves Amnesty Law for Political Prisoners

The Venezuelan legislature has unanimously adopted a landmark amnesty law, which allows for the release of over 1,500 political prisoners. According to Jorge Rodriguez, head of the National Assembly, a total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds of people have already been released under the amnesty law.

The law does not automatically grant amnesty; petitioners must request it from the court handling their cases. Prosecutors have asked courts to free 379 prisoners, including opposition members, activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and others detained for months or years.

So far, 80 prisoners have been released, all of whom were detained in Caracas. Further releases are possible within 15 days. The law applies to approximately 11,000 political prisoners who were previously paroled or placed under house arrest.

The amnesty law was approved after Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, pushed for the US-backed legislation following the US’s abduction of leftist leader Nicolas Maduro during a military raid on January 3. The law has been criticized by opposition figures and human rights organizations, which argue that it excludes certain groups, such as imprisoned military personnel and persecuted political figures.

The law explicitly does not apply to those prosecuted for promoting or facilitating armed actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty by foreign actors. It also excludes members of the security forces convicted of terrorism-related activities. Relatives of released prisoners have expressed hope that the law will be implemented, with some having been on site for weeks waiting for news of their loved ones’ release.

The amnesty law marks a reversal for Venezuelan authorities, who had previously denied holding political prisoners and claimed those jailed had committed crimes. The law’s approval has sparked debate about its implications and potential impact on national coexistence in Venezuela.

Source: Al Jazeera