Rights groups critical as Venezuela prisoner release scheme ‘coming to an end’

Delcy Rodríguez, interim president of Venezuela, has faced backlash from human rights organizations after asserting that the political prisoner release initiative is “coming to an end” just nine weeks into its implementation. According to Foro Penal, a prisoner rights group, approximately 500 individuals have been freed under the National Assembly’s amnesty law, though it estimates over 500 remain incarcerated. The group argues that Rodríguez lacks the authority to halt the process, while Provea, a watchdog, labeled the action as “arbitrary and unconstitutional.”

Rodríguez, a key ally of former president Nicolás Maduro, has maintained U.S. backing since U.S. forces captured Maduro in January. This support has been pivotal in her administration’s efforts, with the release of political prisoners—such as Machado’s associates—serving as a significant concession to Washington. Despite this, the move has drawn criticism for prioritizing political alignment over genuine reform.

Jorge Rodríguez, the National Assembly’s president and Delcy’s brother, initially announced the amnesty law, stating that 1,557 political prisoners had sought release under its terms. He noted the legislation was intended to eventually cover 11,000 people. However, Foro Penal reported only 473 individuals it classifies as political prisoners had been freed by 20 April, with many still detained. During a meeting of justice officials in Caracas, Delcy claimed 8,616 people had been released, praising the law’s “scope and number of beneficiaries.”

“Only another legislative act or referendum could undo the amnesty law, which has no set expiration,” said Gonzalo Himiob, vice-president of Foro Penal. “The judicial bodies, part of the same repressive system that needed an amnesty, never truly applied the law with its intended purpose or principles.”

Provea echoed concerns, stating the cessation of prisoner releases “does not contribute to the process of co-existence and peace.” It acknowledged the law as a “first step” toward dismantling Venezuela’s repressive framework. Meanwhile, the Justice, Encounter and Pardon group condemned the announcement as “a grave assault on the rule of law,” calling it a shift from genuine freedom to political rhetoric.

Maduro’s administration long used the detention of political prisoners to stifle opposition. Rodríguez, who previously held the vice-presidency under Maduro, has sought to position her interim government as more open to dissent. Recent U.S. sanctions relief on her administration highlights this alignment, citing progress toward stability and economic recovery. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the current situation as a “transition phase” leading to “free and fair” elections, though Machado remains determined to lead Venezuela “when the right time comes.”

Critics argue that the interim administration’s focus on U.S. favor has overshadowed promises of democratic elections. Since Maduro’s arrest and relocation to New York for drug trafficking charges, there has been minimal discussion of restoring voting rights or organizing fair elections, despite the interim government’s public rhetoric.