Venezuela approves amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners
South China Morning Post
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 20, 2026
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Venezuela's National Assembly has passed a controversial amnesty law aimed at freeing hundreds of political prisoners who were detained for criticizing the government. The law, approved unanimously on Thursday, targets individuals jailed for opposing the regime, potentially offering them a pathway to release. However, significant exemptions remain: those accused or convicted of inciting military action against the state are excluded from the amnesty. This notably includes opposition figures like Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, who has been charged with allegedly advocating for foreign intervention in Venezuela.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition. Critics argue that the law selectively targets political dissidents while leaving intact many of the repressive measures used by the ruling party to silence critics. The exclusion of those promoting military action is seen as a direct response to high-profile cases like Machado's, whose international reputation complicates the government's narrative.
The law has sparked mixed reactions internationally and within Venezuela. Human rights groups have cautiously welcomed the potential release of political prisoners but remain skeptical about its broader implications for justice and accountability in the country. Meanwhile, supporters of the government argue that the amnesty is a step toward national reconciliation, though opponents view it as an attempt to consolidate power by sidelining key adversaries.
The legislation's impact on Venezuela's political landscape remains uncertain. While it could pave the way for the release of detained opposition members, its narrow exemptions have drawn criticism from those who believe it fails to address systemic issues in the judicial system. As the country grapples with economic crises and political instability, the effectiveness of this law will be closely watched by the international community, which sees it as a
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/20/2026