CARACAS, Venezuela (IPU NEWS — Venezuela's National Assembly approved in its first reading an amnesty bill promoted by the ruling party, a move that could impact the situation of people detained or prosecuted for political reasons and revive the debate on reconciliation in the country.
The president of the Parliament, **Jorge Rodríguez**, asked lawmakers to accelerate the consultation process to bring the bill to its final approval in the coming weeks. "We don't have much time," he said during the session, urging deputies to move quickly in reviewing the text.
The initiative was approved without dissenting votes in its first discussion and must now go through a phase of public consultations and a second vote before becoming law.
### A Project with Political Impact
According to pro-government legislators, the bill seeks to grant amnesty to people investigated or convicted for acts considered political in nature in recent decades. The objective, they said, is to facilitate a climate of dialogue and reduce tensions after years of political polarization and institutional crisis.
The text contemplates the possibility of extinguishing judicial proceedings, lifting arrest warrants, and releasing detainees who fall within the scope of the law. It also provides for the elimination of criminal records related to these cases.
Government officials have presented the proposal as a step towards political coexistence and stability, at a time when Venezuela faces economic and diplomatic pressure.
### Reactions and Caution
Human rights organizations and opposition sectors have received the initiative with caution. Some believe it could benefit people detained for political reasons, while others warn about the need for clarity in the application criteria and guarantees that it will not be used to cover up serious human rights violations.
Analysts point out that the actual scope of the law will depend on its final wording and how it is implemented by the judicial system.
So far, authorities have not specified how many people could benefit or when the law could come into effect if it is finally approved. ### Next Steps
Parliament will now begin a consultation process with various sectors before submitting the bill for a second reading. If approved, the text will have to be enacted by the executive branch to come into effect.
The first reading approval comes at a time when the Venezuelan government is seeking to send signals of political openness, while the internal and international debate continues regarding the situation of political prisoners and democratic guarantees in the country.
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