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

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.

In Venezuela, interim leader Delcy Rodríguez is rapidly liberalizing the economy following the removal of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in January 2026. She is redirecting oil exports to the U.S., injecting funds into the banking system, and rewriting laws to attract foreign investment. These actions have stabilized the currency, spurred economic growth forecasts, and attracted foreign investors. While promising economic transparency, Rodríguez has not dismantled the existing repressive state apparatus, with security forces maintaining a visible presence and monitoring citizens. The economic changes have created optimism, but concerns remain about the lack of political reform under her leadership.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced a proposed amnesty law on January 31, 2026, that could release hundreds of prisoners. The law aims to address political violence from 1999 to the present, promoting justice and coexistence. Rodriguez stated the National Assembly will urgently consider the bill. She also announced the closure of El Helicoide, a notorious prison in Caracas known for human rights abuses, which will be converted into a community center. The announcement follows the US military's abduction of President Nicolas Maduro earlier in January. According to Foro Penal, over 700 people are currently detained in Venezuela for political activities.

A leading Venezuelan human rights group, Foro Penal, reports that at least 80 political prisoners have been released in Venezuela, allegedly due to pressure from the US following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro on drug-trafficking charges. The releases occurred on Saturday from prisons across the country, with Foro Penal verifying identities and anticipating more releases. Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez claims over 600 prisoners have been freed, a figure disputed by Foro Penal, which has only confirmed 156 releases since January 8th. Many of those released remain in legal limbo with charges not dropped and restrictions on public speaking. Rodriguez is scheduled to speak with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to verify release lists, while human rights groups accuse the government of using detentions to silence critics, a claim the Venezuelan government denies.

Venezuelan authorities released at least 104 political prisoners on Sunday, January 26, 2026, according to the Caracas-based rights group Foro Penal. Among those freed were lawyer Kennedy Tejeda, imprisoned in 2024 after visiting clients, and communications student Juan Francisco Alvarado. The releases follow acting President Delcy Rodriguez's promise to free prisoners detained under Nicolas Maduro, who was abducted by US special forces earlier in January. Rodriguez stated the move marks a "new political moment" allowing for greater diversity, following a crackdown on dissent after Maduro's refusal to concede the 2024 election. Foro Penal is verifying additional releases, and the total number of freed prisoners may increase.

Following Nicolás Maduro's arrest by US forces, Venezuela's acting leader announced the release of political prisoners. Families of those incarcerated have gathered outside the Zone 7 detention center in Caracas, demanding the release of their loved ones. While some prisoners have been freed, advocacy group Foro Penal estimates over 600 remain jailed. Activists believe the slow release rate is a tactic to alleviate international pressure without genuine change. Families are frustrated by the lack of progress and fear for the well-being of those still imprisoned, including concerns about new arrests.

A senior US official announced that Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, will visit the United States, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries. This would be the first visit by a sitting Venezuelan president in over 25 years, excluding UN meetings in New York. Rodriguez stated she approaches dialogue with the US "without fear," aiming to address differences and difficulties through diplomacy. The invitation signals a change in US-Venezuela relations following the removal of Nicolas Maduro by US Delta Force operatives on narcotrafficking charges. The visit indicates a willingness from the US to engage with Venezuela's new leadership.

In January 2026, divisions are emerging among Venezuelans following the U.S. invasion and capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The interim government, comprised of Maduro's inner circle, is now collaborating with the United States, a stark contrast to the anti-American stance of former President Hugo Chávez. This shift has disillusioned some staunch "Chavistas" who believe Venezuela should cut off oil sales to the U.S. to pressure Maduro's return. Initial anti-American protests have diminished as the government promotes the new alliance. The interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, is attempting to balance anti-American rhetoric with the reality of the new relationship with Washington.

Following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro and the installation of Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader in Venezuela, there are hints of political amnesty. Rodríguez's government announced the release of an "important number" of political prisoners, further fueled by President Trump's statement about a large-scale release. However, the actual number of prisoners released has been significantly lower than expected. As of Monday, the government claimed 116 releases, while rights groups have only confirmed 41 since Maduro's removal. The slow pace has led to uncertainty regarding Rodríguez's intentions and her control over security agencies, leaving approximately 800 political prisoners still detained. The situation has created a mix of hope and frustration among Venezuelans.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced the continuation of releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, framing it as a "new political moment." This follows the release of at least four U.S. citizens after Maduro's ousting. Rodríguez stated the release process is ongoing, aiming for political and ideological diversity, while claiming 212 detainees have already been freed, though human rights groups estimate lower figures. She attributed the releases to Maduro's prior efforts to foster understanding, not U.S. pressure. Decisions on future releases will be based on evaluations of crimes related to constitutional order, coordinated by Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. President Trump confirmed a recent conversation with Rodríguez, their first since Maduro's capture.

Prior to and following the U.S. operation targeting Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, the Trump administration had been in communication with Diosdado Cabello, a key Maduro ally and Venezuela's Interior Minister. These discussions, which began early in Trump's presidency, involved warnings against Cabello using security forces to target the opposition. Cabello was also named in the same U.S. drug-trafficking indictment as Maduro, but was not apprehended. The communications are considered critical to the U.S.'s efforts to maintain control in Venezuela and prevent chaos that could threaten the interim president. The extent of the discussions and whether Cabello has heeded the warnings remain unclear.

Venezuela has begun releasing detained American citizens, a move the US State Department calls "an important step." This is the first release of Americans since Nicolás Maduro's removal in January following a US military operation. The UN reports Venezuela has released about 50 prisoners out of an estimated 800 political prisoners. The interim government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, announced the releases as a "goodwill gesture." Donald Trump claimed the releases were happening "in a BIG WAY" and cited it as the reason for cancelling further airstrikes. However, critics like Ramón Guanipa argue the releases are insufficient and urge caution until all political prisoners are freed, accusing the government of using detentions to silence dissent, particularly after the disputed 2024 election.

In January 2026, acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump, the first call since Nicolas Maduro's abduction by U.S. forces. Rodriguez pledged to continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro's presidency, describing the call as productive and focused on a bilateral agenda. Trump praised Rodriguez and expressed optimism about a U.S.-Venezuela partnership concerning oil, minerals, trade, and national security. This follows the abduction of Maduro and his wife by the U.S. military on January 3rd and a cancelled second wave of attacks after Venezuela released prisoners as a sign of seeking peace with Washington. Rodriguez stated Venezuela is entering a "new political moment" with the release of detainees ongoing.

Venezuelan envoy Félix Plasencia is scheduled to visit Washington D.C. on Thursday for the first official trip by a representative of the ruling "chavismo" movement in years. The visit aims to initiate the reopening of the Venezuelan embassy and signals a thaw in U.S.-Venezuela relations following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month. Plasencia, Venezuela's ambassador to the UK and ally of interim president Delcy Rodríguez, will arrive on the same day President Trump is set to meet with opposition leader María Corina Machado, who disputes Rodríguez's legitimacy. It remains unclear which U.S. officials will meet with Plasencia. American diplomats made a similar visit to Venezuela last week.

Following the removal of Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January 2026, many Venezuelans remain fearful of the government. Despite Maduro's absence, the repressive government apparatus largely remains in place under acting President Delcy Rodriguez. This has led to self-censorship and fear of public celebration, fueled by Rodriguez's history within the Maduro administration. Venezuelan police have already arrested individuals for celebrating Maduro's capture or criticizing him. These arrests are justified by a state of emergency decree, ordering security forces to detain anyone supporting the US action, further contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado praised Donald Trump in a Fox News interview, offering to share her Nobel Peace Prize with him. This occurred after the U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro and Trump declined to support Machado as a successor. Machado appealed to Trump, who has instead conditionally backed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader, citing Machado's lack of support within Venezuela. Machado stated the opposition would transform Venezuela into a U.S. ally and energy hub, seeking to attract foreign investment and repatriate Venezuelan refugees. The interview took place on Monday, marking Machado's first televised appearance since Maduro's capture. The future of Venezuela's leadership and potential elections remain uncertain.

Following a US raid that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Trump indicated that US involvement in Venezuela could last for years. In an interview with the New York Times, Trump stated that the US would "oversee" the country, but did not specify when or if elections would be held. He also said the US would control Venezuelan oil sales "indefinitely" and would be "taking oil" from the country, with the interim government using proceeds to buy US goods. Trump acknowledged Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's interim leader, stating she is in constant communication with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and is cooperating with US demands. Despite expectations of opposition leaders returning, Trump dismissed María Corina Machado's leadership potential.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of a second wave of attacks on Venezuela, citing "cooperation" from the South American nation, including the release of political prisoners. This follows a US military operation to abduct President Nicolas Maduro. Trump stated the US and Venezuela are collaborating to rebuild Venezuela's oil and gas infrastructure. He also indicated that Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado would visit Washington. Trump mentioned a planned White House meeting with oil executives, anticipating at least $100 billion in investment in Venezuela's oil industry. While ships will remain in place for security, Trump stated the second wave of attacks "will not be needed."

In January 2026, the U.S. is pressuring the interim Venezuelan government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, to expel advisors from Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined these demands in a classified meeting with congressional leaders. The U.S. seeks the removal of spies and military personnel from these countries, while potentially allowing some diplomats to remain. This follows the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces and aims to reopen the oil trade between Venezuela and the United States, potentially requiring Venezuela to alter its nationalized oil industry. Rodríguez is attempting to balance protecting Venezuela's sovereignty with avoiding antagonism from the U.S.

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S., acting President Delcy Rodríguez shifted from a confrontational stance to a more diplomatic one. On Sunday, January 4, 2026, Rodríguez invited the U.S. government to engage in a cooperative agenda focused on shared development and coexistence, despite previously accusing the U.S. of invading Venezuela. This statement followed a fiery speech where she demanded Maduro's return after his capture. While the U.S. President Trump threatened Rodríguez if she didn't "do what's right," her recent statement notably omitted any demand for Maduro's release. The Venezuelan Supreme Court declared Rodríguez the country's acting president.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro by US military forces, Venezuela's interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that Venezuela is not being governed by any foreign agent. This statement comes after Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking charges in a New York court. Venezuela's prosecutor general condemned the US military operation as an act of terrorism and demanded Maduro's release. The operation, which resulted in numerous deaths, has been widely criticized as a violation of international law, with Venezuela and Cuba reporting military casualties. While President Trump initially stated the US would "run" Venezuela, Secretary of State Rubio later clarified that the US would guide the country's direction through sanctions and access to its oil industry.

In January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice President, was sworn in as interim leader in January 2026. She is known for her leftist background as the daughter of a Marxist guerrilla and her rapid rise in Nicolás Maduro's government. Despite her leftist credentials, Rodríguez has cultivated relationships with Venezuela's business community and foreign investors, spearheading market-friendly economic reforms after the country's economic crisis. While President Trump stated that Rodríguez had been sworn in as Venezuela’s new president, Rodríguez and Maduro's supporters maintain that Maduro is still the legitimate leader. She rose to prominence after Maduro became president in 2013, holding positions such as communications minister and foreign affairs minister.