Full Breakdown
Venezuelan Political Prisoners Launch Hunger Strike Over Excluded Amnesty Law
2/23/2026, 3:57:00 AM
Overview of the Hunger Strike
On February 20, 2026, more than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners initiated a hunger strike at the Rodeo I prison, located on the outskirts of Caracas. This action was taken to demand their release under a newly approved amnesty law that notably excludes many prisoners, particularly those involved in military cases, which are prevalent at the facility. The amnesty law was passed by Venezuela's congress on February 19 as part of a series of reforms encouraged by the United States following the ousting and capture of former president Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Exclusions in the Amnesty Law
The amnesty law, engineered by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, has faced criticism for its exclusions. It does not apply to military personnel or individuals accused of terrorism, categories that affect many of the inmates at Rodeo I. Yalitza Garcia, mother-in-law of Nahuel Agustin Gallo, an Argentine police officer accused of terrorism, stated, “Approximately 214 people in total, including Venezuelans and foreigners, are on hunger strike.” Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a policeman arrested in 2024, emphasized that the decision to strike was a direct response to the law's limitations.
International Response and Observations
On February 22, a team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited the Rodeo I prison, marking the first time they were allowed access. Filippo Gatti, the ICRC's health coordinator for Venezuela, remarked, “This is the first time they have allowed us to approach that prison. It’s a first step, and I think we’re on the right track.” However, not all inmates participated in the hunger strike, indicating a divided response among the prisoners.
Legislative Context and Criticism
The amnesty law is part of a broader reform initiative following the U.S. military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture. Critics, including opposition figures, argue that the legislation contains provisions that protect certain offenses historically used to suppress political dissent. Rodriguez has accused opposition leader Maria Corina Machado of exploiting these criticisms while she remains in the United States.
Implications of the Amnesty Law
Despite the exclusions, the amnesty law is set to benefit approximately 11,000 political prisoners who have been paroled or placed under house arrest over the past three decades. As of February 21, more than 1,500 political prisoners had already applied for amnesty. Following the law's approval, some prisoners have begun to be released; on February 22, five individuals were released from Rodeo I, greeted with applause by their families. The NGO Foro Penal reported 23 releases on the same day.
Conclusion
The hunger strike by Venezuelan political prisoners highlights the contentious nature of the new amnesty law and the ongoing struggle for justice and political reform in Venezuela. As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor the implications of these legislative changes and their impact on human rights within the country.
