The government confirmed the start of construction work after approving the project in less than a month
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The government of Venezuela announced the formal start of the remodeling of El Helicoide, with the goal of transforming it into a social, sports, and cultural center. The decision was driven by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, who had ordered its closure weeks earlier.
According to Public Works Minister Juan José Ramírez, the project was drafted, evaluated, and approved in less than a month. The official stated that the execution phase has already begun. The announcement was made through official social media accounts.
From detention center to community space
Venezuela inició la reconversión del Helicoide en un centro social
El Helicoide was originally conceived in the 1950s as a shopping center. Over the years, the unfinished structure went on to serve as the headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service and the Bolivarian National Police.
Various opposition sectors and human rights organizations stated for years that the building was used as a detention center and reported alleged abuses. The United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela even documented cases of alleged human rights violations. The Venezuelan government systematically denied those accusations.
The new initiative seeks to convert the space into a complex intended for the police family and nearby communities. The Ministry of Communication specified that the site will include social, sports, cultural, and commercial areas.
Political context and amnesty law
The announcement comes in a particular political context. On January 30, Rodríguez proposed transforming El Helicoide into a community space. The measure was presented in parallel with the approval of an amnesty law that covers events that have occurred from 1999 to the present. The regulation was passed by Parliament, which is controlled by the ruling party.
Venezuela inició la reconversión del Helicoide en un centro social
Meanwhile, NGO Foro Penal maintained that several detainees could be excluded from the amnesty. The Executive, by contrast, rejects the existence of political prisoners and states that the people deprived of liberty committed criminal offenses defined by law.
Rodríguez assumed power after the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a United States raid carried out on January 3. In that context, diplomatic contacts were also recorded with United States President Donald Trump.
The conversion of El Helicoide represents a political and symbolic gesture. The progress of the construction work and its social impact will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
