Venezuela's Amnesty Law Ends Amid Controversy Over Political Prisoners

Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, announced the termination of the controversial Amnesty Law, which aimed to release political prisoners and foster peace. This law, enacted following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January, faced criticism for excluding military personnel and limiting its scope to specific political crises since 2002. As of April 20, 473 political detainees remain incarcerated, with 286 being civilians and 187 military personnel. The NGO Foro Penal reported a total of 768 releases since January, but only 186 were due to the Amnesty Law. Critics argue the law's abrupt end violates constitutional procedures, and alternative pathways for addressing excluded cases have been proposed. The situation remains tense as the government claims over 8,600 individuals have been released under the law.

Key Details: • 473 political detainees reported as of April 20, including 43 foreigners. • Only 186 out of 768 releases were granted under the Amnesty Law. • Critics highlight constitutional violations in the law's termination. • Alternative programs for addressing excluded cases are being established.