Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez Signs Amnesty Law, Potentially Freeing Hundreds
Updated (3 articles)
Legislative approval and presidential signature on Feb 19‑20 The National Assembly voted to pass the amnesty bill on Feb 19, 2026, ending a long‑standing denial of political prisoners, and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signed it into law the following day, formalizing the measure[2][1]. The legislation defines qualifying offenses dating back to 1999, including the fallout from the 2024 election, and sets procedural rules for implementation[2]. This rapid progression from parliamentary vote to executive action marks the most significant legal shift in Venezuela’s political‑detention policy in years[1].
Amnesty scope and explicit exclusions The law grants “general and full amnesty” to politicians, activists, lawyers and others detained for politically‑motivated reasons, but bars individuals convicted of war crimes, murder, drug trafficking, corruption or of supporting foreign actions against Venezuela[1]. Both outlets note that the exclusions limit relief for high‑profile opposition figures and foreign‑backed activists[2]. The compromise allowing lawyers to apply on behalf of exiles resolves a dispute over representation of detainees abroad[2].
Estimated detainee numbers and recent releases Human‑rights group Foro Penal estimates more than 600 people are held for political motives, while it recorded 448 releases since Jan 8, 2026[1][2]. Families of detainees began a hunger strike on Feb 14, 2026, protesting the slow pace of releases despite the government’s claim of large‑scale freedom after Nicolás Maduro’s capture[2]. The law’s enactment could accelerate the release process, though watchdogs caution that many remain incarcerated[1].
Opposition response and international appeals Opposition lawmaker Nora Bracho called the bill “a great step forward,” while Machado aide Pedro Urruchurtu condemned the requirement that exiles appear in court, labeling the law a “trap”[1]. Families of detainees, such as Marielis Guzmán, publicly urged U.S. President Trump to pressure Venezuela, highlighting the case’s diplomatic dimension[1]. The split reaction underscores both optimism for relief and skepticism about the law’s practical impact[2].
Sources
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1.
AP: Venezuela’s Acting President Signs Amnesty Law Amid Calls for Prisoner Releases: Details Rodríguez’s signing, the law’s exclusions, 448 releases since Jan 8, opposition split, and families urging Trump for pressure.
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2.
The Hindu: Venezuela Legislature Passes Amnesty Bill Amid Political Prisoner Debate: Covers the Assembly’s Feb 19 vote, Rodríguez’s expected signature, estimated 600 detainees, lawyer‑representation compromise, and families’ Feb 14 hunger strike.
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Timeline
1999: Chavismo begins, marking the start of the political era that the amnesty law later covers, spanning 27 years of governance [3].
Early Jan 2026: Approximately 350 political prisoners are released following the new amnesty discussions, showing early momentum for the law [3].
Jan 8, 2026: 448 detainees are freed under the emerging amnesty framework, highlighting the scale of political incarcerations [1].
Early Jan 2026: A U.S. operation reportedly captures Nicolás Maduro, intensifying international pressure on Venezuela and prompting the interim government to pursue reconciliation [3].
Feb 5, 2026: Venezuela’s National Assembly unanimously adopts a historic amnesty bill in its first reading, covering the entire 27‑year Chavismo period and mandating release of political prisoners while excluding grave crimes; Delcy Rodríguez calls it “a very important event for Venezuela,” and opposition deputy Tomas Guanipa says it could launch “mutual recognition, respect, tolerance and ultimately peace” [3].
Feb 14, 2026: Families of political detainees begin a hunger strike outside detention centers, protesting the slow pace of releases despite the government’s announcement of large‑scale amnesties [2].
Feb 19, 2026: The National Assembly passes the amnesty bill, targeting over 600 political detainees and setting eligibility criteria and exclusions; opposition lawmaker Nora Bracho praises it as “a great step forward,” and the bill resolves the exiled‑detainee issue by allowing lawyers to apply on their behalf [2].
Feb 20, 2026: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signs the amnesty law into effect, officially authorizing the release of hundreds of political prisoners while barring individuals convicted of war crimes, murder, drug trafficking, corruption, or foreign‑backed activism; opposition reactions split, with Bracho expressing cautious optimism and exile aide Pedro Urruchurtu calling the court‑appearance requirement a “trap,” and families appeal to U.S. President Trump for pressure on Venezuela [1].
2026 onward: The amnesty law potentially restores eligibility for opposition leader María Corina Machado, enabling her to run in upcoming elections and altering Venezuela’s political landscape [3].