Rodriguez urges maximum speed on amnesty law followup

Rodriguez urges maximum speed on amnesty law followup

Rodríguez Urges Maximum Speed on Amnesty Law Follow-Up Amid Delays and Criticisms

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has emphasized the need for rapid progress on a proposed amnesty law aimed at releasing political prisoners, though internal divisions and legal ambiguities continue to delay its implementation. The law, first announced in late January, seeks to address years of political persecution but faces scrutiny over its scope and credibility.

The National Assembly, controlled by Rodríguez’s government, postponed a critical debate on the legislation earlier this month, citing disagreements over eligibility criteria and definitions of “political crimes”. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and hardline Chavista figures have argued for limitations, excluding individuals convicted of serious offenses such as homicide, drug trafficking, or corruption. Meanwhile, Rodríguez has publicly pledged to release “everyone,” a stance at odds with the law’s current draft, which excludes certain periods of political unrest and does not address past human rights violations.

Human rights organizations and opposition groups have criticized the bill for failing to guarantee full legal protections. Foro Penal, a Venezuela-based rights group, noted that the law does not revoke travel bans, restore assets, or cancel sanctions against media outlets, leaving many detainees in limbo. Additionally, recent re-arrests, such as that of opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, have raised concerns about the government's commitment to genuine reconciliation.

While Rodríguez’s administration claims to have released over 900 political prisoners since January, independent groups like Foro Penal report only 431 confirmed releases, highlighting discrepancies in data transparency. The government has also announced the closure of El Helicoide, a notorious detention center symbolizing past repression, as part of its reform efforts.

International observers, including the U.S. State Department, have called for transparency in the amnesty process, linking it to broader diplomatic normalization. However, critics argue that without structural reforms to Venezuela’s justice system, the law risks perpetuating impunity rather than fostering accountability.

As the National Assembly prepares to resume debates, the law’s final form—and its impact on Venezuela’s political and economic stability—remains uncertain. Investors and analysts will likely monitor how the government balances domestic pressures with international expectations, as well as the pace of tangible reforms.