CARACAS.— Delcy Rodríguez announced a project of amnesty law for the release of leaders opponents, unionists, journalists, students and human rights activists arrested for political reasons in Venezuela.
The amnesty law sought by the president in charge was one of the main demands of the oppositionbacked by the United States.
In fact, the demand increased after US military forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Floresin an operation carried out in Caracas on January 3.
General amnesty law promoted in Venezuela
During the opening of judicial activities for the year 2026, before magistrates of the Supreme Court of Justice and leaders of the Executive, Legislative, Judicial and Electoral powers, Delcy Rodríguez announced the decision to “promote a general amnesty law that covers the entire period of political violence from 1999 to the present.”
He added that he quickly instructed his collaborators to “in the next few hours, urgently, present the law to the National Assembly” for discussion and approval.
The years to be considered in the bill include the term of the now deceased president Hugo Chavez (1999-2013) and Maduro (2013-2026), his successor and political heir.
“Let it be a law that serves to repair the wounds that the political confrontation has left from violence, from extremism, that serves to redirect justice in our country… coexistence among Venezuelans,” he emphasized.
“Let revenge not be imposedrevenge or hatred. “We are giving him an opportunity to live in peace and tranquility in Venezuela.”
“From the diversity and plurality that exists, we can coexist with respect and above all things, with respect for the law and justice,” he added.
Who will not be able to take advantage of the amnesty law?
He clarified that the amnesty law will exclude those convicted for homicide, drug trafficking and serious violations of human rights.
On January 8, after the US military operation and Maduro’s transfer to appear in court in New York to face charges of alleged narcoterrorism, Delcy offered the release of “a significant number” of imprisoned people as a sign to consolidate peace and coexistence.
The process, however, has faced criticism from family members and civil organizations due to lack of speed and information on releases.
Rodríguez has stated that his government has released more than 600 inmates.
However, Foro Penal—one of the most prestigious civil organizations in the country, which monitors the situation of prisoners in Venezuela—indicated that until last Wednesday 302 people had been released and 711 remain detained for political reasons.
The government denies that there are “political prisoners” and accuses those detained of conspiring to destabilize him.
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