The National Assembly of Venezuela has recently passed an amnesty law with unanimous approval, designed to have retroactive effects dating back to 1999. This new legislation will encompass individuals who had protested against former president Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, as well as those involved in the 2002 general strike. Despite its seemingly inclusive nature, the law explicitly excludes those deemed guilty of promoting military aggression against Venezuela, casting a shadow on its true intent.

Notably, among those affected could be several opposition leaders, including the Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, who faces accusations from the ruling party of inciting international intervention. The implications of this law raise significant concerns that it may be manipulated by the government. Critics fear that it could be used to pardon party loyalists while simultaneously denying freedom to genuine political prisoners and dissidents.

This legislative development occurs in a tense context, especially following military operations undertaken by U.S. forces against Venezuela. These actions, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, saw the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, leading to a highlighted international imbalance regarding political and human rights issues. The situation continues to evolve as global eyes remain on the humanitarian and political crises faced by Venezuela.