In a significant political development, Venezuela’s acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced an amnesty bill that could potentially lead to the release of numerous political prisoners. Among those who might benefit are opposition figures, journalists, and human rights activists who have been detained over the years.
This initiative marks a notable shift under Rodríguez’s leadership, following the dramatic capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities on January 3. It symbolizes a move toward reconciliation and healing within the nation.
Speaking before a distinguished audience of justices, magistrates, ministers, and military officials, Rodríguez revealed that the National Assembly, dominated by the ruling party, would soon deliberate on the proposed legislation. This development was reported by The Associated Press, highlighting the urgency and importance of the bill.
“This law aims to mend the deep wounds inflicted by years of political strife and extremism,” Rodríguez expressed during a pre-recorded televised address. She emphasized the law’s potential to restore justice and encourage harmonious coexistence among Venezuelans.
In a scene of protest outside the Zona 7 Bolivarian National Police detention center in Caracas, relatives of detainees held for political reasons gathered, symbolically chained, as they demanded justice and the release of their loved ones. This demonstration coincided with Rodríguez’s announcement, underscoring the public’s hope for change. (Photo by Ariana Cubillos/AP)
Rodríguez clarified that the amnesty would apply to incidents of political violence dating back to 1999, but explicitly excluded those imprisoned for crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, corruption, or human rights abuses from benefiting under this law, as per the AP report.
In addition to the amnesty law, Rodriguez announced the shutdown of Venezuela’s notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas. Torture and other human rights abuses have been repeatedly documented at El Helicoide. The facility is set to be transformed into a sports, social and cultural center, according to reports.
Alfredo Romero, the head of Foro Penal, Venezuela’s leading prisoner rights organization, welcomed the legislation while expressing some skepticism.
“A General Amnesty is always welcome as long as its elements and conditions include all of civil society, without discrimination, that it does not become a blanket of impunity, and that it contributes to the dismantling of the repressive apparatus of political persecution,” Romero said in a post on X.
Relatives of detainees gather near El Helicoide, headquarters of Venezuela’s intelligence service and a detention center, in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, on the same day acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners, including opposition leaders, journalists and human rights activists detained for political reasons. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)
Relatives of some prisoners livestreamed Rodríguez’s speech on a phone as they gathered outside Helicoide, according to the AP.
Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado said in a statement that the moves were not made “voluntarily, but rather in response to pressure from the US government,” the AP reported. She also reportedly noted that people detained for their political activities have been held for anywhere between a month and 23 years.
Foro Penal estimates there are 711 political prisoners held in Venezuela, 183 of whom have been sentenced, the AP reported. The outlet identified prominent members of the opposition who were detained after the 2024 election and remain in prison as former lawmaker Freddy Superlano, Machado’s lawyer Perkins Rocha and Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor and one of Machado’s closest allies.
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez speaks under a framed image of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a ceremony marking the opening of the new judicial year at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. (Ariana Cubillos/AP Photo)
On Friday evening, Venezuela released all known American citizens being held in the country.
“We are pleased to confirm the release by the interim authorities of all known U.S. citizens held in Venezuela,” the U.S. embassy wrote on X. “Should you have information regarding any other U.S. citizens still detained, please contact American Citizen Services.”
