Venezuela Approves Amnesty Law to Free Hundreds of Political Prisoners

Amnesty Law in Venezuela Aims to Free Hundreds

Venezuela's National Assembly recently approved a significant amnesty law designed to free hundreds of political prisoners who have opposed the government. The law was signed by interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who pushed for its enactment under pressure from Washington after assuming power following Maduro's capture in a US military operation.

The law excludes individuals involved in military actions against Venezuela, potentially affecting opposition leaders like Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who has been accused by the ruling party of inciting international intervention that led to Maduro's ousting. The legislation applies retroactively to 1999, covering events such as the coup against Hugo Chavez, the 2002 oil strike, and the 2024 riots against Maduro’s disputed re-election.

‘One must know how to ask for forgiveness and one must also know how to receive forgiveness,’ Rodriguez stated at the Miraflores presidential palace after signing the bill into law. This move offers hope to families of political prisoners that their loved ones may finally be released.