CARACAS, Feb 22, 2026 (V7N) — In a significant shift, more than 1,500 political prisoners in Venezuela have applied for amnesty under a new law passed by the National Assembly, aimed at addressing political unrest and easing tensions with Washington.

National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez confirmed on Saturday that 1,557 cases are currently being processed. "A total of 1,557 cases are being addressed immediately, and hundreds are already being released under the amnesty law," Rodriguez said.

Though not automatic, the law allows prisoners to petition the courts for their release. By Friday, prosecutors had requested the release of 379 prisoners, and 80 individuals have already been freed, all from the capital, Caracas.

The legislation comes just weeks after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro during a U.S. military operation, a shift in leadership that saw Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president and sister of the National Assembly chief, pushing for the amnesty law. The law was adopted unanimously by the legislature on Thursday.

Despite its swift passage, the law has faced criticism from opposition figures. The amnesty does not apply to those accused of promoting or facilitating actions that undermine Venezuela's sovereignty, including opposition leader María Corina Machado, who is currently in the U.S. and hoping to return. The law also excludes members of the security forces convicted of terrorism-related crimes.

Outside a national police facility in Caracas, relatives of the detained gathered, awaiting news of their loved ones' release. "Let's hope it's true," said Genesis Rojas, whose relative is among those seeking release.

Since Maduro's capture, the government has already granted conditional release to many political prisoners. As Maduro and his wife await trial in the U.S., the country’s political landscape remains in flux.

With hopes high but questions still looming, Venezuelans continue to watch closely as the first waves of amnesty take effect.

END/WD/RH/