Venezuelan opposition leader Marrero granted amnesty upon return from exile

Venezuelan opposition leader Roberto Marrero announced Tuesday that a Caracas court granted him amnesty, allowing his return to the country after six years in exile. Marrero, who served as chief of staff to former National Assembly President Juan Guaidó, shared the news via social media.

He explained his decision to accept the amnesty was driven by a belief that Venezuela needs agreements, strong institutions, and free elections. Marrero had been detained in March 2019 and held for over 500 days before being released on a pardon by Nicolás Maduro in August 2020. He then left the country for safety reasons.

Marrero faced accusations of money laundering, criminal association, and conspiracy, with a court alleging he led a terrorist cell planning attacks. He acknowledged that accepting amnesty involved personal and family costs but deemed it a necessary step to support the country's political process. "I appeared before a justice system in which I have reasons not to trust, but it was a necessary step to support this process. The transition will only advance if we are willing to take uncomfortable steps," he stated.

The opposition figure described the transition as a complex process requiring compromise from all sides. He believes Venezuela is in the second of three stages, which includes economic recovery, the release of political prisoners, the return of exiles, and institutional reform.