Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, unveiled a proposal for widespread amnesty on Friday, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to justice. This move comes weeks after the US-led ouster of Nicolas Maduro, who had been in power since succeeding leftist revolutionary Hugo Chavez in 2013. Rodriguez announced the plan at the Venezuelan Supreme Court, stating that the “general amnesty law” would cover the period from 1999 to the present, aiming to “heal the wounds left by political confrontation, fueled by violence and extremism”.

The proposed law would exclude those involved in serious crimes like homicide, drug trafficking, and human rights abuses. Alongside the amnesty, Rodriguez announced plans to close the notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas, infamous for alleged torture of political prisoners. The facility will be transformed into a community center for police families and locals.

Rodriguez, 56, has made rapid changes since taking power, earning praise from US President Donald Trump. She has opened up Venezuela’s oil sector to private investments, a key US demand, leading to a rollback of US sanctions. The government has also agreed to release political prisoners, with over 300 freed since January 8.