Venezuela signals break with past repression through prison shutdown, mass pardons

Venezuela’s interim government on January 30 announced the closure of the notorious Helicoide prison in Caracas and unveiled plans for a sweeping general amnesty for political prisoners, one of its most significant steps yet to meet demands from the Trump administration following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces on January 3.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the amnesty law would be submitted to the National Assembly within hours, urging lawmakers to approve it swiftly. Speaking at an event with members of the judiciary in Caracas, she described the initiative as a measure to heal political wounds, redirect justice, and restore coexistence among Venezuelans. Rodríguez added that the decision had been discussed with Maduro.

The move is expected to benefit hundreds of detainees held since 1999. According to human rights group Foro Penal, Venezuela currently has 711 political prisoners, including more than 60 foreigners. Helicoide, originally designed as a shopping mall in the 1950s before being taken over by the government in the 1970s, has in recent years housed prominent dissidents, including military officers and politicians. Former detainees and rights groups have documented allegations of torture, including electric shocks, beatings, and prolonged suspension.

The interim government has already begun releasing prisoners, freeing close aides to opposition leader María Corina Machado on January 9, a move praised by US President Donald Trump as a “very important and smart gesture.” Officials say more than 600 prisoners have been released since December, while rights groups estimate about 300 were freed in January alone. Families have gathered outside Helicoide in anticipation of further releases.

Rodríguez said the proposed law would fully erase criminal cases, unlike earlier releases that often imposed travel bans or speech restrictions. However, those convicted of homicide, drug trafficking, and other common crimes would be excluded.

Foro Penal director Alfredo Romero welcomed the amnesty in principle but cautioned that it must apply broadly across civil society without discrimination and should not serve as a shield for impunity or perpetuate political repression.

The release of political prisoners has long been a central opposition demand. While previous governments periodically freed detainees, renewed crackdowns — particularly after the 2024 elections — pushed the number of prisoners as high as 2,000. Past amnesties include Maduro’s 2020 pardon of 110 prisoners ahead of legislative elections, as well as earlier reconciliation efforts under Hugo Chávez and former president Rafael Caldera.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has highlighted cooperation from Rodríguez’s government and moved quickly to normalise relations. Washington has named Laura Dogu as chargé d’affaires, begun steps to reopen its embassy in Caracas, reopened Venezuelan airspace, and expanded licenses allowing oil companies to operate in the country. Venezuela has also amended its hydrocarbons law to attract foreign investment.

By Tamilla Hasanova