Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced a proposal for a broad amnesty law covering decades of political violence and confirmed the impending closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas, signalling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Speaking at a ceremony held on Friday at the Supreme Court in the capital, Rodríguez said the proposed legislation would encompass the entire period of political unrest from 1999 to the present day. The timeframe covers successive administrations, beginning with the late Hugo Chávez and including the long tenure of Nicolás Maduro, who was removed from power earlier this month following his capture by United States forces.
“We have decided to propose a general amnesty law covering the entire period of political violence from 1999 to the present,” Rodríguez said in televised remarks, describing the initiative as a step toward healing deep-seated national divisions.
The proposed amnesty is expected to lead to the release of many people detained for political reasons, including opposition figures, activists, journalists and others who criticise past governments. While welcoming the announcement, human rights organisations have urged clarification on the release criteria and safeguards to ensure transparency and justice.
In a parallel development, Rodríguez confirmed that El Helicoide—a former shopping complex that became one of Venezuela's most infamous detention centers—will be shut down. Rights groups have repeatedly accused the facility of subjecting political prisoners to torture and mistreatment. The acting president said the site would be repurposed once its operations cease.
The broader amnesty proposal will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. The legislature, controlled by allies of Rodríguez, is expected to act swiftly, although details on timing and implementation remain unclear.
The announcement comes amid a period of political transition in Venezuela and growing international attention. While Rodríguez has portrayed the amnesty and prison closure as steps toward reconciliation and coexistence, observers have noted that the legal and practical implications of the measures will hinge on how they are implemented and whether they address longstanding concerns about political repression and due process.
The proposed law represents a potentially transformative moment for Venezuela, offering a chance to address decades of polarisation and change the trajectory of its justice system and human rights landscape as the country navigates a new political era.
