Venezuela Proposes Sweeping Amnesty Law, Plans to Transform Notorious Helicoide Prison
CARACAS, Jan 30 (Reuters) — In a significant shift, Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, announced on Friday a proposed amnesty law that could affect hundreds of prisoners and revealed plans to repurpose the capital's notorious Helicoide detention center.
"This law aims to heal the wounds left by political confrontation, violence, and extremism," Rodríguez stated during an event at the Supreme Court of Justice. "It is a step toward restoring justice and peaceful coexistence among Venezuelans."
The legislation, which covers cases from 1999 to the present, would apply to current detainees and some conditionally released former prisoners. However, it explicitly excludes individuals implicated in murders, severe human rights abuses, or drug trafficking.
A central element of the announcement is the planned transformation of the Helicoide—a modernist structure originally intended as a shopping mall that became a symbol of alleged state repression. According to Rodríguez, it will be converted into a center for sports and social services. This move comes despite a 2022 U.N. report alleging torture at the facility, claims the Venezuelan government has rejected.
The proposal follows weeks of vigils and protests by relatives outside the Helicoide, demanding the release of loved ones. Human rights groups and families have long called for charges against those they consider political prisoners—often opposition figures, dissident security personnel, journalists, and activists—to be dropped.
Background & Analysis: The amnesty initiative appears part of a broader, albeit contested, prisoner release process. Since early January, the government has reported over 600 releases, while the independent Foro Penal group verifies 303. Discrepancies in numbers and the lack of an official prisoner list fuel skepticism. Analysts note the timing coincides with increased international pressure, including the U.S. prosecution of President Nicolás Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, which he denies.
"While a general amnesty is welcome, its terms must be inclusive and transparent, not a shield for impunity or a tool to perpetuate political persecution," cautioned Alfredo Romero, director of Foro Penal, on social media. The group estimates 711 political prisoners remain jailed.
Voices & Reaction:
"This is a long-overdue gesture toward national reconciliation. If implemented fairly, it could ease tensions and offer families real hope." — Carlos Mendez, Political Science Professor at Central University of Venezuela
"Converting the Helicoide is a cynical PR stunt. It doesn't erase the torture that happened there. This 'amnesty' is likely a selective pardon for government allies, not true justice." — Isabella Rojas, Human Rights Lawyer and Activist
"The devil is in the details. Who exactly qualifies? Without a clear list and independent oversight, this law risks being another opaque maneuver." — David Chen, Senior Analyst for Latin America at Global Risk Advisory
"Finally! My brother has been inside for two years on trumped-up charges. This news brings tears to my eyes, but we'll believe it when we see him walk free." — Ana Silva, Sister of a Detainee
The proposal has garnered support from figures like opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, whose allies are among the imprisoned. However, with the government denying it holds political prisoners and families complaining of slow progress, the path from announcement to meaningful change remains fraught with uncertainty.
Reporting by Reuters; additional context and analysis by the editorial team.