In response to the recent releases of people arbitrarily detained for political reasons and the discussion of a so-called ‘Amnesty Law’, Valentina Ballesta, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director of Research for the Americas, said:
“While the freedom of the victims is restored, it is essential that the Fact-Finding Mission, created by the UN in 2019, be able to access the country and certify that this process moves forward in accordance with international standards. The contribution that this Mission can make is essential to guide Venezuela towards a future where human rights are respected and guaranteed.
“The government must open the doors to impartial scrutiny to embark on the path towards truth, justice, reparation and – above all – guarantees of non-repetition for the thousands of victims and Venezuelan society.
“In this context, which includes the discussion of the so-called ‘Amnesty Law’, we recall that those who committed serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity, as well as their chains of command, cannot benefit from processes, mechanisms or laws that enable impunity.”
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