Resolution on shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela

The European Parliament adopted by 507 votes to 31, with 35 abstentions, a resolution of 30 April 2026 on shortcomings and deficiencies of the ‘Amnesty Law’ in Venezuela.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, ECR and Renew groups.

On 3 January 2026, the United States conducted a military intervention resulting in the extraction and abduction of Nicolás Maduro. The Venezuelan regime adopted the ‘Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence’ in February 2026. This law, resulting from foreign pressure and rushed through the illegitimate regime-controlled assembly, functions as a limited, case-by-case relief measure, insufficient to restore civil and political rights or ensure national reconciliation and has become an additional instrument of the repressive apparatus of the regime. The law applies to specific political events and offences, excluding large numbers of detainees on spurious or vague charges, and is not applied automatically – forcing admissions to false allegations before a regime-controlled judiciary, with beneficiaries still facing restrictive conditions such as house arrest and judicial supervision.

Around 470 political prisoners remain unjustly detained, including military personnel, lawyers, journalists, human rights defenders, foreigners (including EU nationals) and ordinary citizens.

On 23 April 2026, Delcy Rodriguez announced the end of the amnesty law, breaching the constitution and the independence of judiciary.

Parliament deplores the failure of the ‘amnesty law’ to unconditionally release all political prisoners and that its premature termination, limited scope, lack of independent monitoring and discriminatory implementation failed to provide any basis for political reconciliation.

The resolution called for the full and unconditional release of all individuals arbitrarily detained for political reasons and insisted that all recover their full civil and political rights. According to Parliament, the amnesty law must under no circumstances be applied to shield those responsible for human rights violations, who must be held fully accountable.

The regime is urged to immediately end repression and reform key judicial, law enforcement and electoral institutions, including shutting down all facilities used for arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and torture. Members called for an end to political persecution, the unconditional lifting of all restrictions on political prisoners and guarantees of safe return without reprisals.

Lastly, Parliament urged the Council not to lift any sanctions imposed on individuals responsible for human rights violations and called on the EU to do its utmost to achieve these results.