CARACAS – Eleven Venezuelan cadets, imprisoned a year ago amid accusations of conspiracy, have been released from jail, a development coinciding with a broader amnesty law aimed at freeing hundreds of political prisoners in the country. The release, which occurred Monday, marks a surprising turn of events for the young men and their families, who have maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal. The only evidence presented against the cadets by the Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) was that they all played the video game Call of Duty, a claim that drew widespread criticism.
The cadets’ detention and subsequent imprisonment sparked outrage among human rights groups and international observers, who questioned the basis for the charges. Families reported that the young men were held incommunicado for days following their arrest, enduring torture in an attempt to coerce confessions of involvement in a supposed military rebellion. Luis Manuel Vieira, one of the released cadets, described the prison, El Rodeo I, as “a Venezuela pequeña,” stating that “the guards are the leaders and the prisoners are the people of Venezuela, fighting every day for freedom,” according to reporting by El Mundo.
Amnesty Law and Broader Release
The release of the cadets is part of a larger wave of prisoner releases facilitated by a recently passed amnesty law. Approximately 30 political prisoners were freed on Monday after staging a hunger strike since Friday, according to reports. The law, championed by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power last month following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, seeks to address the country’s long-standing issues with political imprisonment. News sources indicate that more than 500 individuals could potentially benefit from the amnesty.
However, the amnesty law has not been without controversy. El Confidencial reports that the law has drawn criticism from opposition groups, who express concerns about its potential impact on accountability for human rights abuses.
The Case of the Cadets and Call of Duty
The arrest of the eleven cadets a year ago centered around the assertion that their shared interest in the video game Call of Duty constituted evidence of conspiratorial activity. One of the cadets was a minor at the time of their detention. This claim, widely ridiculed by legal experts and human rights advocates, underscored the increasingly authoritarian tactics employed by the Venezuelan government, according to observers. The lack of concrete evidence beyond the gaming habit raised serious questions about due process and the rule of law in Venezuela.
Families of the cadets endured a prolonged period of uncertainty and anguish, maintaining a constant vigil outside the El Rodeo I prison since January. Their unwavering advocacy and the hunger strike by fellow prisoners appear to have played a crucial role in securing the cadets’ release. The prison, described in reports to the United Nations as an “infernal” facility, is known for housing military personnel and foreign hostages.
Implications of the Amnesty and Future Steps
The passage of the amnesty law and the subsequent release of prisoners represent a significant, though tentative, step towards addressing the political crisis in Venezuela. The law’s scope and implementation remain subjects of debate, and its long-term impact on the country’s political landscape is yet to be seen. elDiario.es provides further detail on the specifics of the law and its potential consequences.
As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, approximately 300 prisoners remain incarcerated at El Rodeo I, continuing to advocate for their freedom. The interim government has not yet announced a timeline for further releases or a comprehensive review of the cases of those still detained. Families and legal advocates are urging continued pressure for the full implementation of the amnesty law and a commitment to justice and accountability. The next key development will be the official announcement of the full list of prisoners eligible for release under the new law, expected within the coming weeks.
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