Feb 13 • 03:54 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

Venezuela postpones vote on amnesty bill to protect political dissidents

Venezuelan lawmakers have deferred a crucial vote on an amnesty bill intended to safeguard political dissidents amidst significant public protests in Caracas.

Venezuelan lawmakers have postponed a critical vote on an amnesty bill that aims to terminate legal actions against political dissenters. The decision to delay the bill came after legislators could not reach a consensus on its implementation strategies. This proposed legislation is part of broader efforts to alleviate the constraints faced by opponents of the country's political leaders, primarily targeting the judicial actions taken against dissenters under the administrations of former presidents Nicolas Maduro and Hugo Chavez.

The postponement coincides with widespread public demonstrations in Caracas, where thousands of people rallied, demanding the unconditional release of political prisoners prior to the discussion of the amnesty bill. This public outcry reflects the urgency felt among opposition groups and their supporters, who have long advocated for the rights of individuals imprisoned for their political beliefs. The protests underscore an ongoing struggle against perceived authoritarian practices within the Venezuelan government.

The amnesty bill, if passed, is set to relieve all prisoners who have faced charges for opposing the ruling parties over the past 27 years. This includes cases surrounding actions taken during the regimes of Maduro and Chavez. The implications of this legislation are significant, as it could reshape the political landscape in Venezuela by potentially reintegrating dissenters into the political process and reducing the atmosphere of repression against opposition voices. The future of the bill remains uncertain, hinging on the National Assembly's ability to resolve its internal disagreements on how to implement such a pivotal law effectively.

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