More than 1,500 Venezuelan political prisoners have applied for amnesty in a major shift by the government. This news broke from Jorge Rodríguez, head of Venezuela's National Assembly. It follows heavy US pressure after the capture of ex-President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez leads the remaining government. The applications signal hope for those jailed over years of unrest.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,500 political prisoners submitted amnesty applications after the bill's announcement.
- 448 prisoners confirmed released as of mid-February, but over 600 remain detained.
- The amnesty covers cases back to 1999, excluding serious crimes like murder.
- Releases started January 8, tied to US strikes and Maduro's capture.
Background
Venezuela's political tensions run deep. They date back to Hugo Chávez's rise in 1999. Chávez led until 2013. Then Nicolás Maduro took over. Opposition grew strong. Protests hit in 2002, 2007, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2019, and 2024. Many faced arrest. Human rights groups counted over 800 political prisoners before 2026. Jails like El Helicoide drew torture claims. Families held vigils. Hunger strikes spread outside prisons.
US actions changed everything. Strikes hit in 2026. They led to Maduro's capture along with his wife. Delcy Rodríguez stepped in as acting president. She's Maduro's vice president and Jorge's sister. The government eyed a reset. Releases began January 8. Jorge Rodríguez called it a gesture. Nine came out that day. Numbers climbed slow. By January 12, officials said 116 freed. Groups like Foro Penal verified just 41. Disagreements grew. UN experts pushed for full, unconditional releases. They said partial steps fell short.
And pressure mounted from abroad. Foreign detainees from Colombia, Italy, the US, and others walked free. Protests for NASA delays moon mission after rocket issues echoed global calls for change. Families waited outside jails. Frustration built when promises slipped.
Key Details
Jorge Rodríguez announced the amnesty bill January 29. It covers political cases from 1999 to now. No one guilty of murder, drugs, corruption, or rights abuses qualifies. The National Assembly passed it February 19. Unanimous vote. It adds asset returns and drops some Interpol warrants. Key opposition figures could benefit. Those from past protests and the 2002 coup attempt too.
Release Timeline
Releases kicked off January 8. Nine out first. January 12 saw 41 confirmed by watchdogs. Delcy Rodríguez spoke January 14. She claimed 406 freed. Foro Penal said 68. By January 17, 139 verified. January 26 hit 250. Officials counted higher, back to December 2025. As of February 19, 448 confirmed free. Over 600 wait. Total prisoners topped 800 pre-2026.
But freedom has strings. Released folks can't speak publicly. They report to judges every 30 days. Groups call it a revolving door. New arrests fill spots. El Helicoide shuts down. It'll turn into a sports and culture spot.
"We will release all concerned prisoners by Friday," said Jorge Rodríguez, National Assembly president, during a prison visit.
Rodríguez visited jail outsides. He calmed families. But February 13 passed without full action. Debates delayed. Applications poured in. Over 1,500 now. That's from prisoners and kin. The bill aims wide. It hits decades of conflict.
Foreign releases grabbed eyes. Argentines, Colombians, Italians, Hondurans, Israelis, Spaniards, Peruvians, Americans. All out. UN mission criticized. They want everyone free now. No conditions. Amnesty International echoed. They listed names like Roland Carreño and Rocío San Miguel freed earlier.
Key Details on Applications
The rush for amnesty shows scale. More than 1,500 forms filed. Many from long-term detainees. Foro Penal tracks. They say 780 still held as of late January. Numbers shift. Government posts vary. Some include old releases. Prisoners seek cases back to Chávez era. Bill excludes violent crimes. Focus stays political. Families push hard. Protests continue. Hunger strikes persist.
What This Means
Hundreds walk free. But hundreds stay locked. The amnesty tests Rodríguez's rule. US eyes watch close. Maduro's capture lingers large. It forced this hand. Full release? Unclear. Conditions limit voices. New arrests worry groups. Revolving door spins.
Economy strains too. Venezuela grapples unrest. Opposition stirs. Releases could calm streets. Or spark more demands. International pressure holds. UN pushes unconditional freedom. Families demand dates. Government promises continue. But timelines slip. Protests grow. The 1,500 applications mark a peak. They show pent-up hope. And deep divides.
El Helicoide's change signals shift. Torture claims fade there. Sports center planned. Culture too. But trust builds slow. Prisoners report monthly. Silence enforced. Free speech? Not yet. Watchdogs verify slow. Foro Penal leads count. UN backs them. Amnesty bill passed. Now execution matters.
Global ties warm maybe. Foreign releases help. US strikes prompted it. Trump noted on social media. He praised the pace. Rates should rise, he said. Humanitarian angle plays. But human rights groups say more needed. All out. No strings. Venezuela balances act. Rodríguez holds power. Opposition waits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many political prisoners remain in Venezuela?
A: Over 600 according to Foro Penal as of mid-February. That's after 448 confirmed releases.
Q: What does the amnesty bill cover?
A: Political cases from 1999 to present. It skips murder, drugs, corruption, human rights abuses. Includes past protest participants.
Q: Are released prisoners fully free?
A: No. They can't speak publicly and must see a judge every 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many political prisoners remain in Venezuela?
Over 600 according to Foro Penal as of mid-February. That’s after 448 confirmed releases.
What does the amnesty bill cover?
Political cases from 1999 to present. It skips murder, drugs, corruption, human rights abuses. Includes past protest participants.
Are released prisoners fully free?
No. They can’t speak publicly and must see a judge every 30 days.
