Venezuela Announces Sweeping Amnesty, Prison Closure Amidst Political Shift
Caracas, Venezuela – – In a series of dramatic concessions following the recent capture of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Authorities, Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced a proposed amnesty law for hundreds of political prisoners and the closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas. The announcements, made on , signal a significant shift in Venezuelan policy and a potential attempt to heal deep political divisions.
The proposed “general amnesty law” would cover cases dating back to , when Hugo Chávez assumed the presidency, and extend to the present day. However, Rodríguez specified that the amnesty would not apply to individuals prosecuted for homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, or human rights violations. She has instructed a judicial commission to present the law to the National Assembly, urging “full cooperation” from the Venezuelan legislature to “heal the wounds left by political confrontation fueled by violence and extremism” and to “restore justice” in the country.
Alongside the amnesty proposal, Rodríguez announced the closure of El Helicoide, a prison widely condemned for its brutal conditions and alleged torture of political prisoners. The facility, originally constructed as a shopping mall, will be transformed into a “sports, cultural and commercial center for police families and neighboring communities.” Rights groups have long documented widespread abuse within El Helicoide, making its closure a significant demand from international organizations and the U.S. Government.
The moves come as the United States continues to exert pressure on Venezuela. The U.S. Has been calling for the release of all political prisoners as part of a broader set of demands following Maduro’s capture. According to reports, Venezuela has already released all known U.S. Citizens held within the country.
The announcements have been met with cautious optimism. While seen as a positive step, some opposition figures remain wary given the recent change in leadership. The scale and implementation of the amnesty law will be crucial in determining its effectiveness and impact on the country’s political landscape.
On , Venezuelan rights activist Roland Sandoval was freed from El Helicoide after being imprisoned for , since mid-. His release followed the announcement of the prison’s closure and the proposed amnesty law.
Rodríguez, who assumed office in recent weeks, has already initiated several significant reforms, including opening up Venezuela’s oil sector to private investment – a key demand of U.S. President Donald Trump. These actions have earned praise from the Trump administration, signaling a potential thaw in relations between the two countries.
The proposed amnesty law aims to address a legacy of political repression that has plagued Venezuela for years. The move represents a significant departure from the policies of the Maduro government, which was widely accused of cracking down on dissent and imprisoning political opponents. The success of this initiative will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and address the underlying causes of political polarization in Venezuela.
