Venezuela Moves Toward Amnesty That Could Free Hundreds of Political Prisoners

Post by : Saif Nasser

Venezuela has announced a major political step that could change the lives of hundreds of families. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has presented a new amnesty bill that may lead to the release of many people held in prison for political reasons. These include opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists.

The announcement was made during a formal event with senior judges, government ministers, and military officials. Rodríguez said the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party, would review the bill urgently. She described the plan as a way to heal the country after years of political conflict, violence, and deep divisions.

According to Rodríguez, the proposed law aims to promote peace and help Venezuelans live together again despite their political differences. She said the amnesty should help correct past injustices and move the country forward.

Along with the amnesty bill, Rodríguez announced the closure of Helicoide, a well-known detention center in Caracas. Human rights groups have long accused authorities at Helicoide of torture and abuse. The acting president said the building will be turned into a sports and cultural center for police officers and nearby communities. This announcement was met with strong emotions, especially from families of detainees who gathered outside the prison and listened to her speech on their phones. Many cried and shouted for freedom.

Political prisoners’ families and rights groups have welcomed the idea of an amnesty but remain cautious. They say past promises were followed by slow and limited action. A local prisoners’ rights group estimates that more than 700 people are still being held for political reasons across the country. Only a portion of them have been released so far.

Opposition leaders have also reacted with mixed feelings. Some say the move did not come from goodwill but from strong international pressure. They argue that people should never have been jailed for peaceful political activity in the first place and that justice must include accountability for those who ordered abuses.

The government has not yet shared the full text of the amnesty bill. What is known is that it will cover political cases dating back to 1999. However, people convicted of serious crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, corruption, or human rights violations will not be included.

Human rights organizations have stressed that releasing prisoners should not be seen as an act of kindness by the state. They say those detained were exercising basic rights protected by Venezuela’s constitution and international law, and their freedom is a matter of justice, not mercy.

The announcement has brought hope to many Venezuelans who have waited years for their loved ones to come home. At the same time, doubts remain about how quickly and fairly the amnesty will be carried out. For now, the country watches closely, as this decision could mark an important moment in Venezuela’s long political crisis.