Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced the proposal of a general amnesty law covering the entire period of political violence from 1999 to the present, aiming to heal national wounds and restore justice. She also confirmed the closure of the Helicoide prison, which opposition groups and human rights activists describe as a torture center, and the transformation of the facility into a social, cultural, and sports center. She added that a national consultation for a new judicial system will be organized.
The announcement took place in the presence of high-ranking government officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, and Attorney General Tarek William Saab.
This initiative follows the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3, in addition to drug trafficking charges, and is seen as a response to American pressure, despite government claims that releases began before Maduro’s arrest. According to the “Foro Penal” NGO, there are at least 711 political prisoners in Venezuelan prisons, including 65 foreigners.
Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado stated on social media that the measure is not voluntary but a reaction to US pressure, expressing hope that prisoners will reunite with their families soon. Meanwhile, US diplomatic relations with Venezuela are set to be restored, with the new US envoy, Laura Doublet, scheduled to arrive in Caracas on Saturday.
