Venezuela Begins Mass Release of 1,557 Political Prisoners Under New Amnesty Law

Following the landmark passage of the Amnesty Law on February 19, 2026, Venezuela has begun processing the release of over 1,500 activists and opposition figures. This move marks a pivotal moment for the interim administration led by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January.

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The Numbers at a Glance

• Total Applicants: 1,557 individuals have filed for amnesty as of Saturday.
• Initial Wave: 379 prisoners were prioritized for immediate release over the weekend.
• Ongoing Process: National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez confirmed that hundreds of additional cases are currently being processed.

Who Qualifies?

The law is designed to bridge decades of political division, covering activists and journalists detained since 1999. However, the legislation includes strict disqualifiers:

• Included: Peaceful protesters, political organizers, and human rights defenders.
• Excluded: Those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, corruption, or “military rebellion” involving foreign backing.

High-Profile Liberations

The NGO Foro Penal reports that roughly 460 people have already regained their freedom since the transition began in January. Notable names include:

• Javier Tarazona: Director of Fundaredes (held since 2021).
• Rocío San Miguel: Renowned human rights activist.
• Biagio Pilieri & Enrique Márquez: Key opposition figures.

A Tense “Reconciliation”

While the government frames this as a step toward national healing, the atmosphere remains tense. Rights groups like Foro Penal have labeled the law “discriminatory” for excluding military members arrested on political charges. Outside the notorious El Helicoide prison, families continue to wait, citing frustrations over a judicial verification process that can take up to 15 days.