Venezuela Passes Amnesty Bill Amid Concerns

The law could free hundreds of political prisoners, but critics say it excludes many and relies on a compromised judiciary.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 4:55am

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Venezuelan lawmakers have passed a wide-ranging amnesty bill that could free hundreds of political prisoners, but the measure has faced criticism from experts and activists who say it leaves out many people held by the state and relies on a compromised judiciary system to carry it out. The bill applies to the years in power of the ruling government starting in 1999, but excludes prisoners facing serious charges such as violent, armed actions.

Why it matters

The amnesty law is seen as a concession by Venezuela's interim government under pressure from the United States to ease some of the regime's most repressive tactics. However, critics argue the law is imperfect and may not lead to the unconditional release of all political prisoners.

The details

The amnesty law would apply to many of the hundreds of people incarcerated for reasons linked to their opposition to the government, but it has significant restrictions. It only applies to those detained in connection with about a dozen specific 'politically motivated violent events' dating back to 1999, which means not all political prisoners would be released. There are also concerns that the highly politicized courts will have too much discretion over the process of verifying the grounds for amnesty before granting a pardon.

  • The amnesty law was passed by Venezuelan lawmakers on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The law will now go before interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who is expected to give it final approval.

The players

Delcy Rodríguez

Venezuela's interim president who is expected to give final approval to the amnesty law.

Jorge Rodríguez

The president of Venezuela's National Assembly and believed to be one of the chief architects and beneficiaries of the country's repressive political system.

Nicolás Maduro

The former president of Venezuela who was captured by the United States on January 3 and jailed in New York.

Hugo Chávez

The former president of Venezuela and founder of the country's current political system known as Chavismo.

Nicmer Evans

A political scientist and government critic who was recently held in the El Helicoide prison and has criticized the amnesty law as 'unjust'.

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What they’re saying

“Practically all of us journalists who have been detained for our opinions outside of these established time frames are excluded.”

— Nicmer Evans, Political scientist and government critic

“The amnesty is a first step in the right direction.”

— Michael Penfold, Professor of political economy and governance in Caracas

“We ask for forgiveness, and we, too, must forgive.”

— Jorge Rodríguez, President of Venezuela's National Assembly

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Nicmer Evans out on bail under the new amnesty law.

The takeaway

The amnesty law is a complex and controversial measure that highlights the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela. While it may lead to the release of some political prisoners, critics argue it falls short of providing true justice and accountability for the country's history of repression.