|
Such an amnesty is a central demand of the country's opposition
and human rights organizations with backing from the United
States. But the contents of the bill have not been released
publicly, and rights groups have so far reacted with cautious
optimism — and with demands for more information.
The bill, introduced just weeks after the U.S. military captured
then-President Nicolás Maduro, still requires a second debate
that has yet to be scheduled. Once approved, it must be signed
by Rodríguez before it can go into effect.
In announcing the bill late last month, Rodríguez told a
gathering of justices, magistrates, ministers, military brass
and other government leaders that the ruling party-controlled
National Assembly would take up the legislation with urgency.
“May this law serve to heal the wounds left by the political
confrontation fueled by violence and extremism,” she said in a
pre-taped televised event. “May it serve to redirect justice in
our country, and may it serve to redirect coexistence among
Venezuelans.”
Rights groups, fearing some political detainees will be
excluded, want more details about the requirements for amnesty
before any final vote.
The Venezuelan Program for Education-Action in Human Rights, or
PROVEA, issued a statement emphasizing that the bill must be
made public urgently due to its potential impact on victims’
rights and broader Venezuelan society.
Based on what is known so far about the legislation, the amnesty
would cover a broad timeline, spanning the administration of the
late Hugo Chávez from 1999 to 2013 and that of his political
heir, Maduro, until this year. It would exclude people convicted
of murder, drug trafficking, and serious human rights
violations, reports indicate.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
