Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez assured on Monday that Venezuelans living abroad would be welcomed back with open arms under a new amnesty law enacted post the removal of Nicolas Maduro, following the US intervention. She expressed in a televised speech, “Venezuela’s doors and the arms of its people are open to those desiring to return as part of the healing process from animosity.”
An estimated seven million Venezuelans have fled their country due to the ongoing political and economic crisis, with many opposition members residing in exile. In a heartening development, around 30 inmates were released from the Rodeo I penitentiary near Caracas on Monday, leading to emotional reunions with their families.
Grecia Arana joyfully embraced her husband, Reinardo Morillo, as he walked out to freedom, exclaiming, “This is exactly how I envisioned it,” with laughter. As the released prisoners exited, some with shaved heads cheered, “We are free!” marking an end to a period of distress for their loved ones.
Luis Viera, one of the newly freed inmates who had been incarcerated for 13 months, expressed his elation, stating, “We are completely liberated, with no restrictions.” Meanwhile, efforts are underway by Venezuelan authorities to secure the release of Maduro, who is currently held in the US.
During an address to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto demanded the immediate release of the detained former president. Maduro, apprehended during a US operation on January 3, is detained in New York on drug trafficking allegations along with his spouse, maintaining his innocence and claiming to be a “prisoner of war.”
Gil emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to a process of reconciliation and forgiveness, citing the recently passed amnesty law as a step towards healing past wounds. The legislation, unanimously approved by the country’s legislature, has received praise from interim leader Rodriguez for its contribution to a more democratic and fairer Venezuela.
The amnesty, which covers various charges used to imprison dissidents during the previous socialist regime, has seen 1,500 applications so far. Despite the positive strides, around 600 political detainees remain in custody across the nation, as reported by Foro Penal, an organization dedicated to defending political prisoners. Over 500 individuals have been released since the beginning of the year.
In a bid to mend relations with the Western countries, Rodriguez’s collaboration with the US following Maduro’s removal has paved the way for improved ties. Opposition members have raised concerns over the new law, pointing out its exclusion of certain offenses previously used against Maduro’s opponents. Nevertheless, the legislation has facilitated a thaw in Venezuela’s relations with the broader Western nations.
The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, announced intentions to propose lifting EU sanctions on Rodriguez, formerly Maduro’s vice president. Additionally, discussions are ongoing between the UN rights office and Caracas to reestablish the UN mission in Venezuela, which was expelled in February 2024.
In a further demonstration of a shift from the past, Rodriguez has removed Camilla Fabri, the wife of Alex Saab, from her cabinet. Saab, a businessman accused of being Maduro’s intermediary in corruption activities and indicted for money laundering in the US, returned to Venezuela in 2024 as part of a prisoner exchange, assuming the role of industry minister. Rodriguez’s decision to dismiss Fabri, who served as deputy minister for international communication, underscores the ongoing transformations within the Venezuelan administration.
