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Venezuela Begins Work to Recast El Helicoide as Community Hub

Rights advocates warn of opaque planning, with possible exclusions under the new amnesty.

Overview

  • Government videos show heavy machinery and crews starting recovery works on El Helicoide’s spiral ramps in Caracas.
  • Officials say the conversion was approved after consultations with nearby residents and police personnel following Delcy Rodríguez’s order.
  • The amnesty law linked to the initiative passed last week, and Foro Penal reports 65 releases so far but estimates at least 400 detainees could be excluded.
  • Authorities have not disclosed a project timeline or budget despite announcing the start of works.
  • Once the SEBIN headquarters and widely reported by activists and a UN mission as a torture site, the complex’s future has prompted debate over rehabilitation versus preservation as a memory site.