Hundreds of political prisoners in Venezuela could be released under new amnesty bill

Fox News - WorldCenter-RightEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rachel WolfJanuary 31, 2026 at 02:43 PM

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Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced a proposed amnesty bill that could release hundreds of political prisoners, including opposition leaders and journalists. The bill, which will be taken up by the ruling party-controlled National Assembly, aims to address political violence from 1999 to the present, excluding those convicted of serious crimes like murder or drug trafficking. This move follows the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. Rodríguez also announced the closure of the El Helicoide prison in Caracas, known for human rights abuses, with plans to convert it into a community center. While welcomed by prisoner rights organizations, some, including opposition leader María Corina Machado, believe the amnesty is a result of pressure from the U.S. government.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Caracas 40% Foro Penal 50% Alfredo Romero 50% María Corina Machado 50% National Assembly 60% El Helicoide ×370% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×270% United States ×270% Delcy Rodríguez ×590% Venezuela ×6100%

Keywords

amnesty bill 100% political prisoners 90% venezuela 90% delcy rodríguez 70% el helicoide prison 60% political violence 60% human rights abuses 60% prisoner rights 50% us influence 40%