“May this law contribute to healing the wounds left by political confrontation, restoring justice in our country and peaceful coexistence for Venezuelans,” Rodriguez said during an appearance before Supreme Court justices broadcast by television stations.
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The amnesty bill, long demanded by the U.S.-backed opposition, could result in the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and activists of human rights organizations.
According to President Rodriguez, the bill will also cover people already conditionally released from prison.
Rodriguez stressed that the proposed amnesty would cover people convicted from 1999 to the present day, but would not benefit those convicted of murder, serious human rights violations and drug smuggling.
She also announced the organization of “large public consultations” aimed at “creating a new judicial system” to replace the existing one, which is accused of corruption and inefficiency.
Rodriguez said the notorious Helicoide prison in the capital Caracas, where independent organizations say torture and other cruel treatment of prisoners was used, would be closed. The prison building is to be transformed into a center for sports, culture and social services.
According to estimates by Foro Penal, an organization defending the rights of prisoners throughout Venezuela, 711 people convicted for political reasons are behind bars. The organization welcomed the announcement of the amnesty bill with “cautious optimism.”
The text of the bill has not been published yet, which – as noted by the Associated Press – means that it is not known exactly what criteria will be applied in specific cases.
The authorities have previously announced the release of political prisoners, but so far – as the AP emphasizes – little has been done in this matter.
