Caracas, Venezuela – More than 1,557 individuals detained in Venezuela for political reasons are poised for release after applying for amnesty under a newly enacted law, authorities announced Saturday. The legislation, signed into law earlier this week, acknowledges the government’s past imprisonment of political opponents, activists, lawyers, and journalists.
The amnesty bill, approved by Venezuela’s legislature on Thursday, extends to those prosecuted or convicted for political offenses dating back to 1999, the beginning of Hugo Chávez’s presidency, and continuing to the present day. The move comes after significant pressure from the United States, following a US military operation that led to the removal of President Nicolás Maduro from power and the installation of acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Acting President Rodríguez described the amnesty as “an extraordinary door for Venezuela to reunite, for Venezuela to learn to coexist democratically and peacefully, for Venezuela to rid itself of hatred, of intolerance, let it open up to human rights.”
While welcomed by some as a step toward reconciliation, the legislation has also drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised regarding the transparency of the application process and whether the amnesty will be fully extended to those currently in exile. Some critics have also questioned whether an amendment to the bill could potentially exclude activists and opposition members living abroad from receiving amnesty.
Rights groups and opposition members have cautiously welcomed the law, emphasizing the need for a transparent and accountable process to ensure the effective release of political prisoners. Protests calling for the release of detained family members were held outside the United Nations office in Caracas as recently as Wednesday, February 18, 2026, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez presided over the debate on the amnesty bill on February 19, 2026. The legislation’s passage represents a significant shift in Venezuela’s political landscape, though the full extent of its impact remains to be seen. The United States has not yet publicly commented on the implementation of the amnesty, and it remains unclear whether further conditions for improved relations with Venezuela will be set.
