Caracas, Venezuela – The Venezuelan National Assembly approved a sweeping amnesty law on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in a unanimous vote, paving the way for the potential release of hundreds of political prisoners held over 27 years of what has been termed “chavismo.” The legislation was swiftly enacted by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, signaling a significant shift in the country’s political landscape following the capture of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
The passage of the law follows a period of intense negotiation and debate, with lawmakers grappling over the scope of the amnesty. The final version, as reported by El Comercio, aims to address a long-standing demand for the release of individuals imprisoned for political reasons. Rodríguez, who assumed power after Maduro’s capture in a U.S. Military operation on January 3rd, has framed the amnesty as a crucial step towards national reconciliation.
“We must know how to request for forgiveness and we must also know how to receive forgiveness,” Rodríguez stated from the presidential palace in Caracas, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP). The move comes as Rodríguez’s government operates under considerable pressure from Washington, having initiated a series of pre-emptive releases prior to the formal proposal of the amnesty.
Details of the Amnesty Law
As of February 19th, 448 individuals had been conditionally released, but approximately 644 remain incarcerated, according to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal. The law, as detailed by CNN Español, extends to individuals involved in events spanning from the 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chávez to the 2024 protests surrounding the contested reelection of Maduro. It allows those in exile to appoint a legal representative to submit an amnesty request.
However, the legislation includes specific exclusions. Article 9 of the law, as reported by RTVE, explicitly excludes individuals convicted of human rights violations or crimes against humanity, aligning with constitutional provisions. It excludes those involved in “actions armed or of force against the people, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela” potentially involving foreign states or corporations.
Political Context and U.S. Involvement
The approval of the amnesty law occurs less than two months after Venezuela experienced a military incursion by the United States. The law’s provisions regarding actions against the state have drawn attention to potential implications for opposition figures who have previously called for external intervention, such as María Corina Machado and Leopoldo López, both currently residing outside of Venezuela. A special commission will reportedly review these cases individually, according to an unnamed source cited by AFP.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly and brother of Delcy Rodríguez, acknowledged the difficult circumstances that led to the legislation, stating, “The only thing I regret is that such regrettable and catastrophic events had to occur for all of us to seek and promote brotherhood, unity and peace in the Republic.”
International Response and Justice Concerns
Independent experts from the United Nations have emphasized that any amnesty should apply to all victims of illegal prosecution and be integrated into a comprehensive transitional justice process. The approval of the law followed the conclusion of a hunger strike initiated by a group of women demanding the release of their family members, highlighting the urgency and emotional weight surrounding the issue.
The law’s passage marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela’s ongoing political transition. While the amnesty offers a potential path towards reconciliation, questions remain regarding the full extent of its implementation and its impact on the broader pursuit of justice and accountability. The coming weeks will be critical as the government begins to process amnesty requests and navigate the complex political landscape.
What remains to be seen is how effectively the amnesty law will be implemented and whether it will lead to a genuine and lasting improvement in the human rights situation in Venezuela. The international community will be closely monitoring the process, and further developments are expected as the country moves forward.
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