Venezuela's parliament approves draft amnesty law in first reading

Venezuela's National Assembly on Thursday unanimously approved the draft Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence, aimed at laying the groundwork for national reconciliation. United Socialist Party of Venezuela legislator Jorge Arreaza, who introduced the initiative, called it an "ethical obligation" to heal wounds, promote dialogue, and rebuild trust for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.

Progressive Advance legislator Luis Romero, from the opposition, described the law as a "formidable opportunity" for national reconciliation. Amnesty will not apply to crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, serious human rights violations, homicide, drug trafficking, or embezzlement of public funds.