Thousands of Venezuelans accused or imprisoned for opposing the country’s socialist government have been granted amnesty under a landmark law passed as part of the transition period after ousted President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s legislature announced Tuesday. TASR writes according to an AFP report.
Jorge Arreaza, chairman of the legislative commission overseeing the implementation of the amnesty, said that 179 prisoners had been released from prison since its adoption on Thursday. Another 3,050 parolees were also cleared of all charges, he added.
New amnesty law
“The pace is extraordinary,” he said, adding that justice must be done so that “peace reigns in the country.”
The amnesty is one of the most significant reforms pushed by Maduro’s former deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, who replaced him in office after his January 3 capture by US forces.
This change is also seen as a signal of the end of almost three decades of state repression under the government of Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez.
Number of amnesty requests
Although authorities have released hundreds of political prisoners over the past six weeks, hundreds more remain behind bars.
Arreaza specified that Venezuelan courts have already received 4,293 requests for amnesty, but it is not automatic, AFP notes.
Those who wish to use it must appear in court to have their case reviewed and a decision made to dismiss the charges or quash the sentences.
Problems with the legal process
Lawyers for some current and former political prisoners have reported denials and delays in court applications. “The courts that prosecuted us arbitrarily are still our executioners,” said Rodrigo Cabezas, a former finance minister under Hugo Chávez who later became a critic of Maduro. Cabezas said his request to drop the charges against him was denied on an unspecified technicality.
