Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced an amnesty bill on Friday that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons.
This measure has long been demanded by the opposition supported by the United States of America. It is the latest concession that Rodriguez has made since she took over the leadership of the country on January 3, following the brazen capture of then-President Nicolas Maduro in a US military raid in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
Rodriguez told a gathering of judges, ministers, senior military officials and other state leaders that the National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party, will urgently consider the law.
– Let this law serve to heal the wounds left by the political conflict fueled by violence and extremism – she added in a pre-recorded televised address. “May it serve to redirect justice in our country and restore coexistence among Venezuelans.”
Rodriguez also announced the closure of Helicoide, a prison in Caracas where independent organizations have repeatedly documented torture and other human rights violations. As she said, the building will be turned into a sports, social and cultural center for the police and surrounding settlements.
She made the announcement in front of some officials who have been accused by ex-prisoners and human rights organizations of ordering the abuses committed at Helicoide and other detention centers.
Relatives of some inmates streamed Rodriguez’s speech live via phone as they gathered outside the Helicoide. Some were crying. Many shouted: “Freedom! Freedom!”
– God is good. God heard us – said Johanna Chirinos, the aunt of one of the prisoners, as tears streamed down her face.
Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado stated in a statement that the announced measures were not adopted “voluntarily, but in response to pressure from the United States government.” She also pointed out that people have been detained for political activities for periods ranging from one month to as long as 23 years.
Prisoners’ rights organization Foro Penal, based in Venezuela, estimates that 711 people are in detention centers across the country for political activities. Of those, 183 were convicted.
(Vijesti.ba)
