Venezuela says 1,557 people detained for political reasons have applied for release under a newly approved amnesty law, and officials report that hundreds are already being freed. The law targets opposition members, activists, journalists and others detained since 1999 but excludes those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, serious human rights violations and military rebellion. Human rights groups criticize the exclusions and call for broader coverage, while officials say further releases could occur within 15 days as applications are processed.
Venezuela Says 1,557 Have Applied For Amnesty; Officials Report Hundreds Freed
Relatives of detainees they say are held for political reasons wait outside El Helicoide, the headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and a detention center, after the National Assembly approved an amnesty bill in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Crisitian Hernandez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan authorities told state media Saturday that 1,557 people detained for political reasons have filed applications under a newly enacted amnesty law and that hundreds of beneficiaries are already being released.
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez walks back into Miraflores Palace after signing an amnesty bill approved by the National Assembly in front of journalists in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The law, approved Thursday, is intended to benefit opposition figures, activists, human rights defenders, journalists and others detained during politically charged episodes dating back to 1999. Officials say the measure reflects a shift in policy after years in which authorities denied holding political prisoners.
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez holds up an amnesty bill approved by the National Assembly alongside Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Numbers, Process and Early Releases
National Assembly leader Jorge Rodríguez said Saturday that "as of today, 1,152 new applications have been received, for a total of 1,557 that are being addressed immediately," and that "hundreds of releases of persons deprived of liberty who are benefiting from the Amnesty Law are already taking place."
Relatives of detainees they say are held for political reasons wait outside El Helicoide, headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and a detention center, after the National Assembly approved an amnesty bill in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Crisitian Hernandez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Earlier, Jorge Arreaza, head of the special commission overseeing the amnesty, told state television that 379 requests had been registered and that releases for those applicants would occur between Friday and Saturday, with additional approvals possible within 15 days. Gonzalo Himiob, vice president of prisoners' rights group Foro Penal, said some detainees have already been freed in Barinas but that verification of releases is ongoing.
Relatives of detainees they say are held for political reasons wait outside El Helicoide, headquarters of Venezuela's intelligence service and a detention center, after the National Assembly approved an amnesty bill in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Crisitian Hernandez)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Scope And Controversy
The law excludes people convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, serious human rights violations and military rebellion. Human rights groups and advocacy organizations have criticized those exclusions and urged broader application to all individuals held for political reasons.
"It is discriminatory and unconstitutional to exclude imprisoned military personnel and persecuted political figures," Alfredo Romero, president of Foro Penal, wrote on X. "Without this, there can be no talk of national coexistence."
Officials additionally said thousands of requests from people under alternative measures to incarceration are being processed and are covered by the new law. Delcy Rodríguez, who is acting president of Venezuela since Jan. 5, described the law at the signing as signalling that political leaders were "letting go of a little intolerance and opening new avenues for politics in Venezuela."
Background And Stakes
The statute aims to grant "a general and full amnesty for crimes or offenses committed" during specified periods since 1999 that the text links to politically motivated unrest, including acts tied to the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election. The post-election period saw protests and reports of more than 2,000 arrests, including some minors.
Some reports and official statements tying the amnesty drive to recent security developments — including a reported U.S. operation in Caracas that authorities said led to the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro — remain contested in international coverage. Domestic critics and relatives of detainees have also complained about the slow pace of releases and the restrictive conditions imposed on some people after they leave custody.
Venezuela-based nonprofit Justice, Encounter and Forgiveness has recorded 459 releases of people detained for political reasons between Jan. 8 and Feb. 20.
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