Venezuela’s Parliament postponed next week the final vote on an amnesty bill for political prisoners, a controversial initiative led by Delcy Rodríguez.
Venezuela’s Parliament has postponed the final debate on a long-anticipated amnesty law designed to free hundreds of political prisoners, in a process championed by acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Decisive vote has been rescheduled for next week amid disagreements between ruling-party and opposition lawmakers over a key provision.
National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, approved parts of the so-called “Amnesty for Democratic Coexistence Law” up through Article Six, but debate stalled on Article Seven.
The contested clause would apply amnesty to individuals who are or may “be prosecuted or convicted” for offenses committed in political contexts, provided they present themselves “under the law” after the statute takes effect.
Opposition lawmakers argued that this wording could effectively require judicial appearances by people currently living abroad to qualify for amnesty.
Ruling party legislators defended procedural safeguards they say align with Venezuela’s Constitution, which requires personal presence in criminal proceedings.
Jorge Arreaza, a key ruling-party figure overseeing the bill’s drafting, suggested delaying further articles to secure broader agreement and avoid unnecessary conflict that might stall the law’s passage.
The legislation was pitched as a tool to foster “social peace and democratic coexistence” amid ongoing political tensions after years of protest and politically motivated detentions.
Amnesty initiative from Delcy Rodríguez followed recent prisoner releases, though human rights groups say the draft excludes many detainees and lacks protections for returnees or reparations.
Meanwhile, families of political prisoners and university students protested in Caracas, demanding a broader amnesty and immediate release for all those jailed for political reasons. These demonstrations highlight opposition frustrations with the current draft.
As the debate returns to Parliament next week, uncertainty remains over whether lawmakers can reach the necessary consensus to pass a law that could significantly alter the fate of many Venezuelans detained on political grounds.
