Timeline
February 20, 2026 — February 24, 2026
World
Timeline: Venezuela's Amnesty Law and Political Prisoner Releases Following Maduro's Removal
After former President Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in a US military raid on January 3, 2026, Venezuela's interim government under Delcy Rodríguez enacted a landmark amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners. This timeline tracks the rapid developments from the law's approval through implementation challenges, marking a historic policy reversal for a country that had long denied holding political prisoners.
9 events · 4 days · 18 source articles
Sat, Jan 3, 2026
Major
US military raid removes President Nicolás Maduro from power
The United States military conducted a raid in Caracas, Venezuela, removing President Nicolás Maduro from power and abducting him along with his wife, Cilia Flores. Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president following Maduro's capture. This event would set in motion significant policy changes including the amnesty law.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
National Assembly unanimously approves amnesty law
Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved an amnesty bill proposed by interim President Delcy Rodríguez. The law would cover hundreds of political prisoners jailed for being government critics, marking a stark reversal for a nation that had denied holding political prisoners for decades. However, the law excluded those prosecuted for promoting military actions against the country.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Acting President Rodríguez signs amnesty bill into law
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez signed the amnesty bill into law at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas. During the signing, she stated that "one must know how to ask for forgiveness and one must also know how to receive forgiveness," acknowledging the government's detention of people for political reasons. The law applied to politicians, activists, lawyers, and others detained over the past 27 years.
Fri, Feb 20, 2026
Moderate
Opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa released from prison
Juan Pablo Guanipa, leader of Venezuela's center-right Justice First party and former vice-president of the National Assembly, announced his release after "almost nine months of unjust imprisonment." He became one of the first high-profile political prisoners freed under the new amnesty law, though he criticized it as a "flawed document" that excluded many Venezuelans still unjustly detained.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Venezuela grants amnesty to initial 379 political prisoners
Venezuelan authorities granted amnesty to 379 political prisoners, according to a lawmaker. This initial wave of releases provided hope that hundreds more political prisoners might soon be freed under the new legislation. The releases came amid US pressure on Venezuela's interim government to accelerate the freeing of political detainees.
Sat, Feb 21, 2026
Major
Over 1,500 prisoners apply for amnesty under new law
National Assembly chief Jorge Rodríguez announced that 1,557 political prisoners had submitted applications for amnesty under the new law. He stated that "hundreds of people deprived of their freedom are already being released" and that all cases were being addressed immediately. The large number of applications demonstrated the scale of political imprisonment in Venezuela.
Sun, Feb 22, 2026
Moderate
Over 200 political prisoners begin hunger strike over exclusions
More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners at Rodeo I prison, located about 40 kilometers east of Caracas, launched a hunger strike to protest their exclusion from the amnesty law. The inmates, particularly those facing military-related charges, demanded their inclusion in the amnesty, highlighting gaps in the legislation that left many detainees behind bars.
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Moderate
Venezuela demands Maduro's release at UN Human Rights Council
Foreign Minister Yvan Gil addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, demanding the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores from US custody. Gil described Maduro's abduction as a "political operation" while the government simultaneously emphasized its reconciliation and amnesty efforts domestically.
Tue, Feb 24, 2026
Moderate
Rodríguez promises welcome for Venezuelan exiles
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez vowed to welcome Venezuelans living abroad back home following the new amnesty law. As authorities continued releasing dozens of political prisoners, the government signaled a broader thaw in relations with the West and an effort toward national reconciliation after years of political repression.
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