Venezuelan opposition politician released after amnesty law passed
BBC World
February 20, 2026
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Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa has been released after nearly nine months in detention following the passage of an amnesty law. The bill, signed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, aims to free hundreds of political prisoners but has faced criticism for excluding many Venezuelans who remain unjustly imprisoned. Guanipa, a prominent figure in the center-right Justice First party and former vice-president of the National Assembly, welcomed his release on social media while describing the amnesty bill as flawed.
The amnesty law was approved by Venezuela's National Assembly and is part of efforts to address the country's ongoing political tensions. It comes after years of criticism from human rights groups, which accuse the Maduro government of using detention to silence dissent. While interim President Rodríguez has described the measure as a gesture of forgiveness, activists have raised concerns over delays in implementing the law and lack of transparency regarding who is being released.
Venezuela's socialist government has consistently denied holding political prisoners, instead referring to them as ordinary criminals. However, opposition groups and international human rights organizations argue that such detentions are a tool to suppress political dissent. The situation has drawn significant attention from the international community, including pressure from the United States to expedite the release of remaining political prisoners.
The case highlights broader issues in Venezuela's political landscape, where tensions between the government and opposition remain high. While the amnesty law represents a step toward resolving some of these conflicts, its perceived shortcomings have raised questions about its effectiveness and fairness. For readers interested in global human rights and political dynamics, this development underscores the challenges of achieving justice and accountability in authoritarian regimes.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026