Venezuela’s National Assembly has announced that more than 3,200 people have been released from incarceration following the implementation of a new amnesty law. The announcement, made on Tuesday, highlights the legal measure’s intention to reduce political tensions and promote reconciliation within the nation. The amnesty law came into effect last week on February 20, 2026.

Details of Releases

A special commission within the National Assembly has reported that 4,203 applications for amnesty were submitted since the law’s enactment. Lawmaker Jorge Arreaza, who heads the oversight commission, stated during a press briefing that 3,052 individuals previously under house arrest or other restrictive judicial measures have been granted full freedom. Additionally, 179 individuals who were incarcerated have also been released.

Legislative Background

The amnesty legislation was signed into law by interim President Delcy Rodriguez after receiving unanimous approval from the National Assembly. Officials have indicated that the law aims to alleviate political strife and expedite the release of political prisoners. In her remarks at the signing ceremony, Rodriguez emphasized that the law represents a shift toward greater tolerance among the country’s political leaders.

Criticism of the Amnesty Law

Opposition figures have voiced concerns regarding the new amnesty law, suggesting that it contains limitations that may disadvantage certain political opponents of the current regime. Critics note that the legislation excludes individuals prosecuted for “promoting” or “facilitating armed or forceful actions” against Venezuela’s sovereignty, effectively targeting some of Maduro’s opponents who have faced legal action on such grounds.

Additional Exemptions

The law also does not apply to members of the security forces convicted of terrorism-related offenses. Since the US military’s involvement last month, which was linked to the abduction of President Maduro, hundreds of detainees had received conditional releases under Rodriguez’s administration.

International Response

United Nations human rights experts have welcomed the amnesty cautiously, stressing the necessity for the law to encompass all victims of unlawful prosecution. They highlighted that the measure should be part of a broader transitional justice process aligned with international standards.

Current Detention Statistics

In recent years, a significant number of Venezuelans have been imprisoned, with many facing charges related to alleged plots to overthrow the Maduro government. The prisoners’ rights organization Foro Penal reported that as of Tuesday, it has confirmed only 91 individuals classified as having been politically released since the amnesty law’s inception. The organization has requested reviews for 232 cases currently excluded from the amnesty, while approximately 600 individuals remain incarcerated.

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