Venezuela announces general amnesty law, hundreds of prisoners may be freed

Jan 31, 2026
International

Image: Venezuelan oil sector reform: mixed reactions of hope and skepticism (Collected. Al Jazeera)

International Desk, PNN

Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez has announced the introduction of a general amnesty law. This law could pave the way for the release of hundreds of prisoners involved in political activities in the country. This is considered the most significant reform initiative by the Rodríguez government since the US military attempted to kidnap President Nicolás Maduro and his wife earlier this month.

In a pre-recorded speech delivered on Friday to a gathering of judges, magistrates, ministers, military officers, and senior government officials, Rodríguez said that incidents of political violence from 1999 to the present would be covered under this general amnesty law. She noted that the National Assembly would consider the bill urgently.

Rodríguez stated that this law would help reduce divisions caused by political violence and extremism and would contribute to restoring justice and coexistence in Venezuelan society.

On the same day, she also announced the closure of Caracas’ notorious intelligence prison, El Helicoide, which has long been accused of torture and human rights violations. She said that in the future, El Helicoide would be transformed into a sports, social, and cultural center for local residents.

However, human rights organizations noted that this announcement was made in front of officials who have been accused of torture in this and other detention centers. According to Venezuelan-based prisoner rights organization Foro Penal, there are currently 711 individuals imprisoned nationwide for political activities, of whom 183 have had sentences executed. The organization’s president, Alfredo Romero, welcomed the general amnesty but stated that it would only be meaningful if applied without discrimination to all and if it created accountability rather than impunity for political persecution.

According to Foro Penal, at least 302 prisoners have been released under the Rodríguez government since Maduro’s kidnapping attempt. The organization recently released a video showing the release of human rights activist Eduardo Torres, who had been detained since May 2025.

Families of prisoners and human rights organizations have long demanded the withdrawal of charges and sentences against those considered “political prisoners.” Although the government claims that there are no political prisoners in Venezuela and that those detained were involved in criminal activities, official figures indicate that more than 600 prisoners have already been released, though no specific timeline or detailed information has been provided.