Venezuelan Political Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike Over Amnesty Law Exclusions

Feb 23, 2026, 2:37 AM

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More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners commenced a hunger strike on Sunday, expressing their demands for inclusion in a newly enacted amnesty law that they argue excludes a significant number of detainees, particularly those facing military-related charges. The amnesty law, approved by Venezuela's Congress last week, is part of a broader wave of reforms supported by the United States following the ousting of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3.

The hunger strike started on Friday night at the Rodeo I prison, located on the outskirts of Caracas. Inmates at this facility have voiced concerns that they will not benefit from the amnesty law due to its exclusions, which primarily affect military personnel, a common category among the detainees.

"Approximately 214 people in total, including Venezuelans and foreigners, are on hunger strike," stated Yalitza Garcia, the mother-in-law of Nahuel Agustin Gallo, a prisoner accused of terrorism. Gallo's case is emblematic of the broader frustrations, as terrorism charges are specifically excluded from the amnesty provisions, further fueling the prisoners' dissent.

Shakira Ibarreto, the daughter of another detained policeman, noted that the decision to strike was made collectively on Friday in response to the law's limitations. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the prison on Sunday, marking the first time they were granted access. Filippo Gatti, the ICRC's health coordinator for Venezuela, remarked, "This is a first step, and I think we're on the right track," indicating a potential shift in the treatment of inmates.

Criticism of the amnesty law has emerged from various opposition figures who argue that it contains provisions that deliberately exclude certain offenses historically used to target political opponents of the Maduro regime. For instance, the law does not apply to individuals prosecuted for "promoting" or "facilitating... armed or forceful actions" against Venezuela's sovereignty by foreign actors, a claim made against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Despite these exclusions, the amnesty law is reported to benefit around 11,000 political prisoners who have faced paroled or house arrest conditions over nearly three decades. In fact, over 1,500 political prisoners have already applied for amnesty under the new law, as stated by the head of Venezuela's legislature.

On the same day as the hunger strike began, reports emerged of some individuals being released from Rodeo I prison, carrying their release papers amid applause from supporters. The NGO Foro Penal, dedicated to the defense of political prisoners, documented a total of 23 releases on that day, signaling a complex landscape of political reform and lingering dissent in Venezuela.

The backdrop of this unrest is the broader humanitarian crisis and systematic human rights abuses that have plagued Venezuela under Maduro’s administration, leading to the displacement of nearly 8 million citizens. As the political atmosphere remains charged, the hunger strike by these prisoners highlights the ongoing struggles faced by those who continue to oppose the regime's actions and advocate for their rights.

In conclusion, the hunger strike initiated by Venezuelan political prisoners underscores the contentious nature of the newly approved amnesty law and reflects the ongoing tensions within Venezuelan society as it navigates the aftermath of Maduro's removal from power.

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