On shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela
B-10-2026-0221
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Karin Karlsbro, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Ana Vasconcelos, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Urmas Paet, Lucia Yar, Benoit Cassart, Nathalie Loiseau, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Anna Stürgkh, Hilde Vautmans, Engin Eroglu
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This resolution addresses the Amnesty Law in Venezuela, noting it as a first step but with serious deficiencies. It demands the release of all political prisoners and calls for transparent, impartial application of the law.¶¶¶ It highlights that the law excludes many detainees and does not dismantle sanctions, relying on a criticized judiciary. It urges reforms and a peaceful transition to democracy.¶¶¶
Key points
- Recognises the 2026 Amnesty Law as a first step but notes serious deficiencies remain.¶
- Demands immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners.¶
- Calls on the Venezuelan regime to guarantee transparent and consistent application of the law and on judges to apply it impartially.¶
- Underlines that the law applies only to specific events and categories, excluding many detainees and opposition figures.¶
- Emphasises that the law does not dismantle political bans or asset seizures, making it a limited relief measure.¶
- Stresses that the law relies on a widely criticised judiciary, risking perpetuation of repression.¶
- Denounces that the law is perceived as a political instrument because it leaves the repressive apparatus intact.¶
- Urges the new Attorney General and Ombudswoman to prevent their institutions from being instruments of persecution.¶
- Calls on the regime to end repression, reform judicial and electoral institutions, and shut down detention and torture sites.¶
- Calls on the National Assembly to amend or repeal laws enabling human rights violations.¶
- Calls for a Venezuelan-led peaceful transition to democracy, respecting sovereignty.¶
Who is affected
- Venezuelan political prisoners and detainees, who would benefit from release and fair application of the law.¶¶
- Venezuelan judges and judicial institutions, called to apply the law impartially and reform.¶
- The Venezuelan regime and National Assembly, urged to end repression and amend laws.¶
- The new Attorney General and Ombudswoman, urged to prevent persecution.¶