Venezuela's Rodríguez Signs Amnesty Law

Is Venezuela's Amnesty Law a historic step toward national reconciliation or a superficial measure that fails to bring real justice?

Published 8 hours ago

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Above: Delcy Rodríguez holds the amnesty law at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas on Feb. 19, 2026. Image credit: Juan Barreto/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-Maduro narrative

This amnesty law is a historic step toward peace and national reconciliation in Venezuela, opening the door for democratic coexistence while centering human rights and mutual understanding. The law extinguishes criminal cases and offers hope for a new era where Venezuelans can move forward together in defense of the homeland. This legal instrument demonstrates tremendous political will to build the conditions for peace and to guarantee a future for the nation's children and youth.

Delcy Rodríguez on Telegram Con El Mazo Dando

Anti-Maduro narrative

This amnesty law excludes over 400 political prisoners and covers only 20 months of a persecution crisis that has lasted for almost three decades, while leaving the Chavista repressive apparatus completely intact. Venezuelans will only have real justice with the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals and the dismantling of the weaponized justice system — otherwise, authorities can soon resume unjustified detentions.

Foro Penal OHCHR