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

B100231/2026

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

(2026/2704(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its previous resolutions,

– having regard to Rule 150 of its Rules of Procedure,

whereas the Amnesty Law passed in Venezuela on 19 February 2026 was presented by the transitional authorities as a step toward national reconciliation, granting amnesty for individuals accused or convicted of “political crimes or related offenses” linked to 13 specific political crises between 1999 and 2026; whereas on 23 April 2026, Venezuela’s Acting President unilaterally declared the end of the application of the Amnesty Law, in an arbitrary and unconstitutional move;

whereas, while hundreds have benefited from the Amnesty Law, human rights organisations report that at least 473 individuals remain arbitrarily detained, and that numerous applications were rejected without clear criteria or procedures, raising concerns over its limited scope, lack of transparency, and unequal access to justice;

whereas the amnesty process had relied on politically criticised judicial review, failed to ensure safe return for exiled Venezuelans, and providing no compensation or accountability mechanisms and leaving repressive laws in place enabling continued criminalisation of dissent;

whereas the premature termination of the law before its effects were fully exhausted, and in the absence of clear monitoring mechanisms, risks undermining legal certainty and equality before the law; whereas the measure appears to have had a largely symbolic character aimed at improving the international image of the transitional authorities rather than constituting a genuine break with past patterns of repression;

Reaffirms its unconditional support for the Venezuelan people, and for its aspiration for a democratic transition in Venezuela, condemning the acts of repression by the Maduro regime, whose self-proclaimed election victory has never been recognised by the EU or its main international partners;

Underlines that, although the Amnesty Law initially appeared to be a relevant step towards easing tensions and supporting the release of detainees, its premature termination, contrary to the rule of law, together with its limited scope and discriminatory implementation, undermine the objectives of coexistence and peace and hamper political reconciliation; stresses that developments should be closely monitored and taken into account in decisions on relations with Venezuela, including any potential lifting of sanctions;

Calls on the Venezuelan transitional authorities to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including European, foreign and dual nationals, who remain arbitrarily detained in Venezuela;

Reiterates its call on Venezuelan transitional authorities to take concrete steps towards rebuilding democratic and civic space, restoring judicial independence, ending the criminalisation of political dissent and opposition, and enabling an inclusive political transition;

Calls on the Venezuelan transitional authorities to create the conditions for free and fair elections, including a review of the composition of the National Electoral Council, whose current membership has been implicated in restricting the registration of opposition candidates in previous elections;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the VP/HR, the Member States, the EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Organization of American States, the UN Secretary-General and the Venezuelan regime.