Politis

Venezuela Releases 23 Political Prisoners Under New Amnesty Law

Published February 23, 2026, 09:19
Venezuela Releases 23 Political Prisoners Under New Amnesty Law

In Venezuela, 23 political prisoners were released on Sunday under the new amnesty law passed following pressure from the United States. Among those released are at least seven members of the party led by opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has agreed to release a total of 379 political prisoners, as 1,557 prisoners have applied for amnesty. However, more than 200 prisoners have begun a hunger strike, protesting their exclusion from the amnesty. Rodriguez seeks to improve relations with the US, which had been strained since 2019. The release of prisoners is part of a broader effort to normalize relations. Juan Freites, one of Machado's party members, is among those released, sparking public reaction and support messages from the opposition leader, who expressed hope for full release and reunion soon. This move is part of a framework of negotiations and pressures. The development marks an attempt to de-escalate the political situation in Venezuela and opens the way for possible further negotiations between the government and the opposition. However, the hunger strike of prisoners who did not receive amnesty highlights the remaining tensions and challenges.