Venezuela approves amnesty law for prisoners due to political protests
The Venezuelan National Assembly has passed an amnesty law aimed at releasing political prisoners and restoring their rights amid ongoing protests in the country.
The Venezuelan National Assembly, under the control of the ruling party, approved an amnesty law for political prisoners in a second and final vote on February 19. This law comes as families of detainees entered their fifth day of a hunger strike demanding justice and freedom for their loved ones. The Assembly President, Jorge Rodríguez, announced the approval and stated that it would be forwarded to interim President Delcy Rodríguez for promulgation.
The amnesty law is designed to facilitate the release of detainees, the restoration of their property rights, and the cancellation of international alerts, particularly those issued by Interpol. This measure could potentially allow opposition figures currently in exile to return to Venezuela, reflecting a significant shift in the government's approach to dealing with dissent. The intent behind this law is to create a basis for a more democratic coexistence in the politically tumultuous nation.
However, the law also outlines specific exclusions, meaning that individuals who have actively encouraged or incited political violence will not be granted the benefits of the amnesty. This highlights the government's attempt to balance the demands for justice with the need to maintain order. The passage of this law could have far-reaching implications for political dynamics in Venezuela, affecting both the opposition's strategy and the international community's response to the ongoing political crisis in the country.