Venezuela receives more than 1,500 amnesty requests under new law

Al JazeeraEN 3 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 21, 2026 at 11:12 PM

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In Venezuela, over 1,500 political prisoners have requested amnesty under a new law enacted in February 2026. The legislation, backed by the United States, was approved by the National Assembly following the US's abduction of Nicolas Maduro. As of Saturday, National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez announced that 379 prisoners had been requested for release by prosecutors, with 80 already freed in Caracas. The amnesty law requires petitioners to apply through the courts handling their cases and aims to release opposition members, activists, journalists, and others detained for political reasons. While authorities claim the law demonstrates increased political tolerance, some opposition figures have criticized the legislation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

AFP 30% Colombia 30% Caracas 40% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 50% United States ×260% Jorge Arreaza ×260% Jorge Rodriguez ×270% National Assembly ×270% Delcy Rodriguez ×280% Venezuela ×790%

Keywords

amnesty 100% political prisoners 90% venezuela 80% amnesty law 70% national assembly 60% us-backed legislation 50% delcy rodriguez 50% political leaders 40%