Venezuela amnesty law aims to create 'pacified country', attorney general says

Venezuela's attorney general said an amnesty law under consideration aims to produce a "100% pacified" country and he insisted those in prison are not political detainees. The bill has passed an initial vote, its full text has not yet been read, and it is unclear whether it will be on the assembly's Thursday agenda.

Venezuela's attorney general, Tarek Saab, said an amnesty law being considered by the national assembly would help secure a "100% pacified" country and he maintained that those currently imprisoned are not political detainees. The assembly has given the bill an initial vote, but the full version has not been read aloud in the legislature. The national assembly is scheduled to meet on Thursday, and it is not yet clear if the bill will be placed on its agenda. Saab said he anticipates the law may be approved in the coming days. Key facts: - Attorney General Tarek Saab said the law aims to prevent repetition of the actions that led to it and to achieve a "100% pacified" country. - Saab insisted that people in prison covered by the discussion are not political detainees. - The bill has passed an initial vote but the full text has not been read and its appearance on the assembly's Thursday agenda is unclear. Summary: The attorney general frames the proposed amnesty as a step toward national peace and says approval is anticipated. Whether the assembly will take up the bill at its next meeting is undetermined at this time.