Feb 20 • 00:09 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Under pressure from the US, the Venezuelan Parliament unanimously approves an amnesty law

The Venezuelan Parliament has unanimously approved an amnesty law for political prisoners following pressure from NGOs, families of detainees, and the United States.

After weeks of negotiations, the Venezuelan Assembly unanimously passed an amnesty law for political prisoners on Thursday, pressured by NGOs, families of prisoners, and notably, the United States under Donald Trump. This law benefits individuals accused of crimes such as 'treason to the homeland,' 'terrorism,' and 'incitement to hatred.' Delcy Rodríguez, the interim leader who promoted the initiative, hailed the approval as a significant event for Venezuela.

The voting process for the amnesty law faced delays, being postponed twice before the final approval. Initially, the proposal had received the green light in a first reading, and subsequent sessions involved detailed discussions of the law. The opposition, however, had previously stalled the debate over Article 7, which aimed to encompass individuals who may face prosecution or conviction for various offenses over the past 27 years, demonstrating the contentious nature of the debate surrounding political amnesty in Venezuela.

This development reflects the ongoing struggle within Venezuela concerning human rights and political dissent. The unanimous passage amid external pressures suggests a shift in the political landscape, potentially impacting future relations with international entities and the perception of Venezuela's governmental approach towards its political dissidents. It raises significant questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of the amnesty law in addressing the needs of those affected by the political crisis in the country.

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