Venezuela Proposes Amnesty Law, Plans to Shutter Notorious Prison Amid U.S. Pressure
In a move signaling potential political thaw, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez unveiled a proposed amnesty law on Friday that could free hundreds of individuals detained on political grounds. The announcement, which also includes plans to close the infamous El Helicoide detention center, represents the most substantial overture from Caracas since the United States apprehended former President Nicolás Maduro.
The draft legislation, Rodríguez stated, would cover cases from 1999 onward but explicitly exclude crimes such as homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, and human rights violations. She has directed a judicial commission to formally present the bill to the National Assembly.
"I reiterate my call for the full cooperation of our legislature," Rodríguez said in a public address. "This law aims to heal the wounds left by years of political strife, restore justice, and build a foundation for peaceful coexistence among all Venezuelans."
In a parallel decision, the government declared it would shutter El Helicoide—a facility long synonymous with state repression and feared by dissidents—and convert it into a community center offering social and sports services.
The dual announcements coincided with Washington's confirmation that Venezuela has released all known U.S. citizens detained on its soil. The Trump administration has persistently demanded the liberation of political prisoners, leveraging economic and diplomatic pressure since Maduro's capture to push for broader concessions.
Earlier this month, Caracas pledged to free a "significant number" of detainees as a goodwill gesture. Local human rights group Foro Penal reported at least 302 releases as of Thursday, though official figures claim over 800. The government has yet to publish a verified list of those freed, despite earlier promises to involve the UN High Commissioner's office in verification.
Alfredo Romero, executive director of Foro Penal, responded cautiously on social media: "An amnesty is welcome if it genuinely includes all civil society without discrimination, does not become a veil for impunity, and helps dismantle the apparatus of political persecution."
Reactions & Analysis
Mariana Silva, Political Analyst at Caracas Think Tank: "These are calculated steps toward reengagement. Closing El Helicoide is symbolically powerful, but the amnesty's exclusions mean many activists remain at risk. The real test is whether this leads to structural reform."
James Carter, Former U.S. Diplomat: "This is a direct result of sustained pressure. The administration now has a window to push for irreversible changes, but must ensure amnesty isn't used to whitewash past abuses."
Ricardo Mendez, Human Rights Advocate (via phone interview): "It's a sham! They're releasing a few hundred while thousands still suffer. El Helicoide's closure is just a PR stunt—the same machinery of repression will simply relocate. Don't be fooled by theatrical concessions."
Elena Fuentes, Sociology Professor in Maracaibo: "For families of detainees, this brings fragile hope. But trust requires transparency. Without an official list or independent verification, many will fear this is merely another broken promise."