Venezuela's Amnesty Law: Initial Releases and Growing Disputes Over Legal Scope

Venezuela has begun implementing its recently enacted amnesty law, leading to the release of at least 65 prisoners during the initial days of the act's enforcement. This legislative move comes amidst a period of profound political transformation within the nation, driven largely by significant pressure from the United States. According to the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, which specializes in defending those detained on political grounds, the first tangible outcomes of this legal measure were documented by Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The normalization of relations with Washington, which had been severed since 2019, was spearheaded by Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. She assumed her role on January 5, 2026, following the detention of former President Nicolás Maduro on January 3 during the military initiative known as "Absolute Determination Operation." A detailed breakdown of the recent releases reveals a steady progression: seven individuals were freed on Friday, February 20; fifteen on Saturday; and forty-three on Sunday. Interim President Rodríguez noted that the total number of individuals seeking release under this specific law has reached 1,557. Meanwhile, Foro Penal has verified the release of 464 prisoners in total since January 8, 2026.

Despite these early figures, the legislation has faced sharp criticism regarding its actual reach and inclusivity. Human rights advocates and political critics have highlighted the potential exclusion of hundreds of detainees, particularly members of the police and military forces accused of activities labeled as terrorism. Furthermore, there is significant concern that the amnesty does not encompass the entire period from 1999 to 2026, which covers the presidencies of both Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro. In a direct protest against these perceived exclusions, more than 200 political prisoners have reportedly launched a hunger strike.

Addressing these limitations, Jorge Rodríguez—the brother of the interim president and head of the Venezuelan Parliament—suggested that the administration is considering "pardon measures" or presidential decrees for those who do not qualify under the current amnesty framework. The political backdrop of this law is unprecedented; the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on January 3, 2026, by a U.S. military operation paved the way for the interim government led by Delcy Rodríguez. This domestic shift has also triggered changes in international cooperation, including reports that Cuban security forces are being withdrawn from the protection details of Venezuelan leadership under pressure from the United States.

Some opposition advisors have characterized the amnesty law as a "trap" designed to buy time for the new administration, arguing that it essentially requires detainees to "surrender" to the current authorities. The initial phase of the law’s application illustrates a complex duality: while it represents a step toward de-escalating national tensions, it also exposes deep-seated disagreements regarding the fairness and comprehensiveness of the legal act following the recent change in power.