Venezuela’s Acting President Announces Amnesty Bill to Free Hundreds of Political Prisoners
CARACAS, Venezuela — Hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela, including prominent opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists, may soon be released following the announcement of a new amnesty bill by acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The bill, unveiled on January 30, 2026, signals a notable shift in Venezuela’s political landscape amid mounting domestic and international pressure.
Rodríguez addressed a gathering of justices, ministers, military officials, and government leaders in a pre-recorded televised message, emphasizing the bill’s intent to heal the deep divisions caused by years of political violence and extremism. “May this law serve to heal the wounds left by the political confrontation fueled by violence and extremism,” she said, according to The Associated Press. “May it serve to redirect justice in our country, and may it serve to redirect coexistence among Venezuelans.”
The National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, is expected to take up the amnesty bill promptly. The legislation covers the entire period of political violence in Venezuela, potentially freeing those detained on charges widely regarded by international observers as politically motivated. This includes journalists who have reported critically on the government and activists who have opposed the regime.
Among the most notorious detention centers is El Helicoide prison in Caracas, known for its harsh conditions and use as a political prison. Acting President Rodríguez ordered the closure of this facility as part of the broader reform efforts.
This announcement follows a dramatic political shift after the U.S. captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026, an event that has intensified calls for reconciliation and reform within the country. The U.S. government has since released all known American detainees held in Venezuela, a move that has further eased tensions.
Relatives of those detained for political reasons have staged protests outside detention centers like the Zona 7 Bolivarian National Police facility in Caracas, demanding the release of their loved ones. The amnesty bill offers a glimmer of hope for these families and human rights organizations that have long condemned Venezuela’s crackdown on dissent.
Experts note that the amnesty could also improve Venezuela’s strained relations with international bodies such as the United Nations and the Organization of American States, which have repeatedly criticized the country’s human rights record. The U.S. Department of State has closely monitored the situation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to international legal standards in the implementation of the amnesty.
While the bill’s passage is not guaranteed, the move by Rodríguez represents the most significant concession by Venezuela’s ruling party since Maduro’s capture. It may mark the beginning of a new chapter aimed at national reconciliation and restoring democratic norms.
Observers will be watching closely as the National Assembly debates the bill in the coming weeks. If enacted, the amnesty could reshape Venezuela’s political environment by releasing key figures who have been silenced for years, potentially opening space for dialogue and reform.
For now, the country remains cautiously optimistic as it navigates this pivotal moment in its turbulent history. The amnesty bill stands as a testament to the possibility of change, even amid deep-seated divisions and longstanding conflict.
More information about Venezuela’s political developments and human rights issues can be found through resources such as the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the United Nations human rights office.
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