On shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela

B100224/2026

European Parliament resolution on shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela

(2026/2704(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the statement by acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, accompanying the announcement of the Amnesty Law (AL) on 30 January 2026,

– having regard to Rule 150 (5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the unilateral military operation conducted by United States forces on 3 January 2026 resulted in the forced removal and transfer of Nicolas Maduro to US territory, ending the rule of a dictator responsible for the catastrophic economic collapse of Venezuela, widespread repression and the destruction of democratic institutions; whereas subsequently, Delcy Rodriguez, who had served as Vice President under Maduro, was sworn in as interim president;

B. whereas the government introduced an “Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence” (AL) in January 2026; whereas the National Assembly of Venezuela unanimously approved the AL on 19 February 2026;

C. whereas implementation of the AL is entrusted to courts and institutions that remain under regime control;

1. Considers that the unilateral military action by the United States constitutes a clear violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Venezuela, as enshrined in the UN Charter, and risks setting a dangerous precedent for unilateral military interventions by external powers against sovereign states;

2. Notes that there has only been an authoritarian succession in Venezuela and that all public institutions, the Supreme Court, the armed forces, the ruling Socialist Party and the security services remain unchanged;

3. Notes that the Venezuelan regime is using the AL to build a narrative that avoids state responsibility for the deprivation of liberty of citizens and to try to relieve international and domestic pressure without building judicial independence and prosecutorial accountability;

4. Notes that the AL is limited to certain specific periods since 1999, leaving out arbitrary detentions and incidents from other periods; notes that the AL excludes acts that occur after the law’s entry into force, allowing new political persecutions;

5. Notes that the AL explicitly excludes 200 members of the military and anyone who has ‘favoured’ military action against Venezuela; notes that the AL does not apply to certain offenses, such as corruption, that have been used as a basis for detaining political opponents;

6. Notes that the AL aims to “prevent the recurrence of acts subject to amnesty”, allowing the Venezuelan regime to persist in criminalising freedom of expression and protest;

7. Considers that, more fundamentally, filing an amnesty application implies acceptance of the charges, and that, in this way, the Venezuelan regime is portrayed as lenient toward crimes allegedly committed by its citizens; considers that the AL does not change the structural problem of fabricated accusations and the use of the criminal justice system as a tool;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the European External Action Service, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the National Assembly, government and acting president of Venezuela, and the Organisation of American States.