Venezuela grants amnesty to 379 political prisoners amid transition

Saturday 21 February 2026 - 11:00

By: Sahili Aya

Venezuela grants amnesty to 379 political prisoners amid transition

Venezuela’s justice system has approved the release and amnesty of 379 political detainees, marking a significant development during the country’s ongoing political transition.

The measure follows the adoption of an amnesty law by the National Assembly, promoted by lawmaker Jorge Arreaza. Authorities stated that judicial procedures were being activated to implement the decision, with releases expected to take place within days of the law’s promulgation.

The initiative was announced after interim president Delcy Rodríguez pledged reforms aimed at easing political tensions following the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year. The transition has unfolded under strong international scrutiny and diplomatic pressure, particularly from Washington.

While the government has framed the amnesty as a gesture of reconciliation, legal experts and human rights organizations have questioned its scope. The non-governmental organization Foro Penal noted that hundreds of detainees remain behind bars and warned that the law does not automatically guarantee release. Some individuals accused of serious offenses, including members of the security forces, may not qualify under the terms outlined in the legislation.

Families of detainees gathered outside several detention centers, expressing cautious hope. For many, the announcement represents a potential step toward reunification after years of political unrest and legal uncertainty.

Government officials described the measure as part of a broader effort to promote institutional stability and national dialogue. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López characterized the law as a sign of political maturity, while opposition figures insisted that broader reforms remain necessary.

Among those recently freed was opposition leader Juan Pablo Guanipa, who called for continued mobilization in favor of democratic guarantees. He is a close ally of opposition figure María Corina Machado. From exile in Spain, former presidential candidate Edmundo González Urrutia emphasized that reconciliation must be accompanied by truth and institutional reform.

The amnesty unfolds alongside economic and diplomatic adjustments, including proposed changes to energy policy and renewed contacts with foreign governments. Whether the initiative will lead to lasting political normalization remains uncertain, but it signals a potentially pivotal moment in Venezuela’s evolving landscape.