Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, acknowledged “abusive use” of the 2017 Ley contra el Odio, a law criticized for suppressing dissent, and called for its reform, while opposition figures and human rights groups demand its outright repeal. The National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, has formed a commission to revise the legislation, which has been used to jail activists, journalists, and critics of the government.
Reform Push Amid Calls for Repeal
Over 927 people have been charged under the law since its passage, according to the NGO Foro Penal, with 638 facing pretrial detention and 6 imprisoned.
However, critics argue the reforms do not go far enough.
The commission, formed on October 5, 2026, in the Palacio Federal Legislativo, will review articles 20, 21, and 22, which outline penalties for incitement to hatred, discrimination, or violence.
The commission’s draft will first be reviewed by the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Chamber before reaching the National Assembly for debate.
The reform commission faces pressure to include broader civil society input. Opposition deputy Amelia Belisario urged transparency, demanding media access to commission meetings. The public has the right to know how this law will be changed, she said. The commission plans to consult victims of the law, legal experts, and international bodies like Human Rights Watch, which has long criticized the legislation.
The law’s legacy of repression persists despite Rodríguez’s call for reform. Since its enactment, 927 individuals have been charged with incitement to hatred,
including 118 minors between 2024–2025, according to Cecodap. The NGO Espacio Público accused the law of being used to persecute people for uncomfortable or critical expressions
against certain power sectors.
Defenders vs. Critics
Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s interior minister and PSUV leader, defended the law as “necessary” to stop the madness of some people,
citing its role in curbing violent rhetoric. He criticized opponents for hypocrisy, noting that some who now denounce the law promoted violence
in the past. If there were no need for this law, it would be extraordinary,
he said. Cabello also claimed the law froze many people’s outbursts, referring to its use against critics of the chavismo movement.
PCV activist Pedro Eusse cited its vague definitions of hatred and penalties of up to 20 years, which he said have been used to target political opponents, journalists, and union leaders. The PCV also called on the Supreme Court to declare the law null and void, citing its contradiction with the Constitution.
The Movimiento Unidos por Bolívar, led by regional leader Miguel Hernández, demanded the law’s immediate repeal,
calling it a mechanism of political persecution and systematic censorship.
Hernández highlighted its impact on workers, journalists, and human rights defenders, stating it has created a climate of fear in communities. He emphasized the law’s role in inhibiting legitimate protests for better wages and public services, citing its disproportionate penalties.
The reform process is part of a broader political dialogue. Rodríguez’s call for reform followed U.S.-backed negotiations with opposition lawmakers, including those elected in 2015. The opposition delegation accused the law of being used to persecute and repress dissent, while the government framed it as a tool to foster peace and tolerance. The law’s 2017 approval came after months of political crisis and anti-government protests, with President Nicolás Maduro claiming it aimed to end the spread of hate messages that fueled unrest.
Next Steps and Uncertainties
The commission aims to finalize a reform draft, which will then be reviewed by the Supreme Court before a parliamentary vote. However, the timeline remains unclear, with no set deadline for the process. Human rights groups warn that even revised versions could perpetuate censorship. The law’s very existence is a threat to free expression, said Cecodap, which documented 118 minors charged under the law between 2024–2025.
The commission’s work includes revising the law’s name and correcting its punitive focus, as stated by Infante. It will also address mal applications
of the law, such as its use against journalists and activists. The process will involve consultations with victims, legal experts, and international bodies, according to the National Assembly. However, the final outcome remains uncertain, with critics arguing that reforms may not address the law’s core issues.
As the commission debates its future, the clash between state security and civil liberties remains central to Venezuela’s political turmoil. While Rodríguez’s government seeks to “despenalize” the law, opposition groups and human rights organizations continue to demand its repeal, citing its history of abuse and suppression of dissent.