Venezuela grants amnesty that could release hundreds of political detainees
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
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Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has signed an amnesty law that could lead to the release of hundreds of political detainees, marking a significant shift in the country's stance after years of denying the existence of political prisoners. The new law, which went into effect following the recent U.S. military operation in Caracas and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro, offers amnesty for individuals involved in political protests and "violent actions" dating back to events in 2002 and beyond. While this move has been welcomed by some as a step toward reconciliation, it has faced criticism from within the opposition, with critics arguing that the law falls short of a true amnesty and is more of a political ploy to gain time.
The amnesty bill specifically excludes those convicted of "military rebellion" in 2019, leaving many high-profile cases unresolved. Rights groups estimate that over 600 people remain in custody for political reasons, including opposition members, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders targeted by the government over the past two decades. Families of detainees have expressed frustration with Rodríguez's failure to fulfill earlier promises of release, with some gathering outside detention centers for weeks in anticipation.
The law does not address key issues such as restoring confiscated assets, revoking public office bans, or lifting sanctions against media outlets. This has led to mixed reactions among Venezuelans and international observers. While opposition politician Nora Bracho called it a "great step forward," others, like Pedro Urruchurtu of the Maria Corina Machado faction, criticized it as insufficient, arguing that true amnesty should not require legislation but rather a genuine willingness to reconcile.
The signing of the amnesty law comes amid heightened tensions with the United States. Following the abduction of Maduro and the January 3 attack in Caracas, Trump administration officials have praised Rodríguez while signaling support for concessions such as freezing oil shipments to Cuba and opening Venezuela's state-controlled oil industry to foreign companies. The U.S.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026