HRW Criticizes Serious Shortcomings in Venezuela’s Amnesty Law Implementation

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported serious shortcomings in the implementation of Venezuela’s amnesty law, describing the process as unfair and opaque. The NGO argues that the legislation fails to ensure the unconditional release of individuals arbitrarily detained for political reasons. HRW highlights restrictive eligibility criteria, noting that the law only covers specific events in thirteen years since 1999, excluding many others. Furthermore, vague provisions allow judges to deny amnesty for acts protected under international human rights law. Procedural flaws include lack of proper notification of charges, restricted access to case files, and insufficient legal justification for denying amnesty. While Acting President Delcy Rodríguez claimed over 9,000 people received amnesty, she also acknowledged corruption among judges handling these cases. Local organization Foro Penal described the law as a mechanism to slow down releases rather than facilitate them. HRW urges Venezuelan authorities to apply the law transparently and explore additional legal avenues to close criminal cases against those subjected to arbitrary proceedings, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to international human rights standards.