Venezuela’s National Assembly set to resume tense debate on a sweeping amnesty bill - Associated Press News
AP News
February 19, 2026
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Venezuela’s National Assembly is set to resume a heated debate over a controversial sweeping amnesty bill, which could grant pardons to thousands of individuals currently detained for various crimes, including those accused of corruption, drug trafficking, and violent crimes. The bill, proposed by opposition lawmakers, has sparked intense political tension as it aims to release prisoners tied to both the ruling Socialist Party and opposition figures. While supporters argue that the amnesty is necessary to heal divisions in the country, critics, including President Nicolás Maduro’s administration, claim it could be used to free high-ranking officials accused of corruption or involvement in crimes, undermining justice and rule of law.
The bill, if passed, would pardon individuals implicated in cases linked to public officials, military personnel, and others tied to human rights abuses or embezzlement.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/19/2026