Venezuela Plans Broad Amnesty and Closure of El Helicoide

Caracas: Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, proposed an amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners since 1999, excluding those convicted of serious crimes. The plan comes after the US-backed capture of Nicolás Maduro and recent prisoner releases.

Rodríguez also announced the closure of the notorious El Helicoide prison, to be converted into a community center and will send the amnesty bill to the National Assembly for approval, amid calls for transparency and safeguards against impunity.

The move comes amid Venezuela’s ongoing political and economic crisis, following years of international sanctions, hyperinflation, and shortages of basic goods.