Amnesty International has raised concerns regarding the recent application of a new amnesty law in Venezuela, calling for its fair and impartial enforcement. The law, intended to provide “full and general” amnesty for political offenses, has been subject to allegations of selective application by the country’s judicial system. As reported, while many political prisoners have been released under the new law, others, notably high-profile cases, have been denied amnesty without clear justification.
Following its enactment on February 13, the Amnesty Bill for Democratic Coexistence garnered a cautious welcome from the United Nations, which emphasized the necessity for transparency and the inclusion of civil society and victims in the process. However, the arbitrary application highlighted by Amnesty International raises significant concerns about the law’s efficacy in promoting justice and reconciliation.
A notable case is that of 16-year-old Samantha Hernández, detained since 2025 and charged with terrorism-related offenses. Her detainment, widely perceived as politically motivated, has sparked criticism after her amnesty was refused by Venezuela’s legal system. Organisations like the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) have drawn attention to her brother’s situation, a military officer in exile facing treason charges—a connection seen as influencing Hernández’s ongoing detention.
Human rights lawyer Carlos Trapani has publicly criticized the judiciary’s discretion, asserting that the Amnesty Law must be applied in cases where its conditions are fulfilled. He emphasized that the law mandates decisions to prioritize human rights, a principle not upheld in Hernández’s case.
Amnesty International warned against the use of discretionary criteria that could perpetuate political repression, urging Venezuelan authorities to ensure fair application of the law and address the needs of victims and their families. This call was reiterated by WOLA in its plea for Hernández’s release, highlighting the significant human rights implications of her continued detention.
The developments in Venezuela underscore the challenges of implementing legal reforms in politically volatile contexts, with international rights groups vigilantly monitoring the situation to advocate for fairness and justice. More details about this issue can be explored here.