Sun Feb 22 17:06:57 UTC 2026: ### Venezuela Grants Amnesty After US Raid, Faces Opposition Criticism

The Story:
Venezuela is implementing a new Amnesty Law, enacted under pressure from Washington after a January 3, 2026, U.S. military raid that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro. The law aims to grant clemency to individuals jailed for political protests. More than 1,500 political prisoners have applied for amnesty, and releases have already begun. However, the legislation faces criticism from opposition figures, who argue it contains loopholes to exclude certain offenses and target political opponents.

Key Points:

  • Over 1,500 political prisoners have applied for amnesty under the new law.
  • The law was enacted following the capture of Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military raid on January 3, 2026.
  • Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s interim President, pushed for the legislation.
  • The law explicitly excludes those prosecuted for “promoting” or “facilitating” actions against Venezuela’s sovereignty by foreign actors and members of the security forces convicted of “terrorism”-related activities.
  • The amnesty extends to 11,000 political prisoners who were previously paroled or placed under house arrest.
  • Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is a target of accusations related to undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty.
  • Nicolas Maduro and his wife are in U.S. custody awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Amnesty Law is a direct consequence of the U.S. military intervention and the subsequent shift in political power in Venezuela.
  • The law is intended to appease international pressure and project an image of democratization.
  • The selective nature of the amnesty suggests the interim government is attempting to balance international demands with maintaining control and excluding certain political opponents.
  • The situation remains tense, as evidenced by the protests, hunger strikes, and heavy police presence.

Impact Analysis:

The Amnesty Law represents a significant turning point for Venezuela. The release of political prisoners, even if partial and conditional, could alleviate some domestic tensions and improve Venezuela’s international image. However, the exclusion of certain categories of prisoners, particularly those accused of undermining sovereignty, suggests that the interim government seeks to consolidate power and silence key opposition figures. The long-term impact will depend on how the law is implemented and whether it leads to genuine political reconciliation or further polarization. The future of Venezuelan politics will also be heavily influenced by the trials of Nicolas Maduro and his wife in the United States, and the potential return of Maria Corina Machado.

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