By Zoila Palma: Venezuela’s legislature has passed the first vote on an amnesty law that would grant immediate clemency to individuals jailed for participating in political protests or criticizing public figures, Reuters report.
The bill, approved unanimously by the National Assembly, would also return assets to those detained, cancel international arrest measures such as Interpol notices, and allow opposition figures in exile to return home.
A second vote is required before the law can take effect, but no date has yet been set.
The law is expected to lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners if passed in its current form.
It applies to crimes committed peacefully or by those with health concerns between January 1, 1999, and the law’s enactment, excluding serious offenses such as murder, corruption, drug trafficking, war crimes, or human rights violations.
The bill also covers defamation in the context of political criticism and would lift bans on public office and sanctions against media outlets imposed for political reasons.
Human rights groups and the opposition have long accused the Venezuelan government of arbitrarily detaining politicians, journalists, activists, and security personnel to suppress dissent.
Since January 8, 383 political prisoners have reportedly been released, while over 680 remain jailed.
The post International News: Venezuela passes first vote on Amnesty law for jailed protesters appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Venezuela’s legislature has passed the first vote on an amnesty law that would grant immediate clemency to individuals jailed for participating in political protests or criticizing public figures, Reuters report. The bill, approved unanimously by the National Assembly, would also return assets to those detained, cancel international arrest measures such as Interpol
The post International News: Venezuela passes first vote on Amnesty law for jailed protesters appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
