Caracas, Venezuela – In a move hailed as a historic step towards reconciliation, Venezuela’s National Assembly approved a sweeping amnesty law on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The legislation, passed unanimously, aims to secure the release of hundreds of political prisoners held over 27 years of what has been termed the “chavismo” era. The law was swiftly enacted by interim President Delcy Rodríguez, signaling a potential turning point in the nation’s turbulent political landscape.
The approval of the amnesty law follows a period of intense negotiation and political maneuvering, underscored by growing international pressure and a recent, albeit limited, wave of prisoner releases. According to data from the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, 448 individuals have been released so far, but 644 remain incarcerated. The new law seeks to address this backlog and offer a path towards freedom for those detained on politically motivated charges. This amnesty law represents a significant shift in policy, particularly given the context of recent political upheaval.
A Call for Forgiveness and a Path Forward
Speaking from the presidential palace in Caracas, interim President Delcy Rodríguez emphasized the importance of forgiveness as a cornerstone of national healing. “Hay que saber pedir perdón y hay que saber también recibir perdón,” Rodríguez stated, translating to “One must know how to ask for forgiveness and similarly know how to receive it.” Her remarks underscore a deliberate attempt to foster a climate of reconciliation after years of deep political polarization. Rodríguez, who assumed power following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. Forces on January 3, 2026, is currently governing under pressure from Washington, and initiated the initial excarcelations as a precursor to the broader amnesty proposal.
Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly and brother to Delcy Rodríguez, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the “lamentable and catastrophic” events that have shaped Venezuela’s recent history. “Lo único que lamento es que hayan tenido que darse hechos tan lamentables y catastróficos para que todas y todos busquemos y promovamos la hermandad, la unión y la paz de la República,” he said, expressing regret over the circumstances that led to the need for such legislation.
Unanimous Approval and Key Provisions
The unanimous passage of the law, despite a majority held by Maduro’s party, suggests a degree of consensus across the political spectrum. The legislative session was delayed by two and a half hours as lawmakers engaged in final negotiations. A key sticking point, Article 7, which had previously stalled the debate on February 12, was ultimately modified and approved. The law extends amnesty to individuals involved in events spanning the past 27 years of “chavismo,” provided they either are currently at liberty or voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of the courts. This inclusion of the judicial system is a notable aspect, given concerns about its perceived bias.
The legislation also addresses the situation of individuals living in exile, allowing them to appoint a legal representative to petition for amnesty on their behalf. According to the text of the law, those who apply for amnesty will not be subject to further detention for the covered offenses, but will be required to appear before a competent tribunal to finalize the process.
Exclusions and Controversies
While broad in scope, the amnesty law does contain specific exclusions. Article 8 outlines the events covered by the amnesty, ranging from the 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chávez to the 2024 protests surrounding Maduro’s contested reelection. However, Article 9 explicitly excludes individuals accused of human rights violations or crimes against humanity, in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution.
the law excludes those involved in “actions armed or of force against the people, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by States, corporations or foreign persons.” This provision comes in the wake of a U.S. Military incursion into Venezuela less than two months prior. Opposition figures, such as María Corina Machado and Leopoldo López, have previously been accused of advocating for foreign intervention, and a special commission will be established to review their cases individually. Machado is currently in the United States, while López has been in exile in Spain since 2020.
Awaiting Full Implementation and International Scrutiny
The passage of the amnesty law coincides with the end of a hunger strike initiated by a group of women demanding the release of their loved ones. The strike, which began on February 14, concluded with the law’s approval. However, activists emphasize that the 448 individuals already released were granted conditional freedom, and that the amnesty should guarantee full and unconditional liberation.
Experts from the United Nations have underscored that the amnesty “must apply to all victims of illegal prosecution and be integrated into a comprehensive process of transitional justice.” The coming weeks will be critical as the Venezuelan government begins to implement the law and address the remaining cases of political imprisonment. The process is expected to be closely monitored by international observers, who will assess whether the amnesty truly delivers on its promise of reconciliation and justice.
The next step involves the establishment of the special commission to review individual cases, particularly those involving allegations of promoting foreign intervention. The government has not yet announced a timeline for this process.
This historic legislation represents a complex and delicate moment for Venezuela. The success of the amnesty law will depend on its fair and transparent implementation, and its ability to address the deep-seated grievances that have fueled political instability for decades.
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