Families Launch Hunger Strike in Caracas as Venezuela Amnesty Negotiations Stall Following Prisoner Release

A group of approximately 10 women began a hunger strike outside a Caracas prison on Saturday to demand the release of all remaining political prisoners. The protest follows the liberation of 17 detainees as lawmakers continue to debate the specifics of a historic amnesty law intended to end decades of state repression.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 14, 2026, 4:33 PM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from RTL

Escalation Outside the Zone 7 Detention Facility

On Saturday, February 14, 2026, a group of relatives initiated a hunger strike at the entrance of the "Zone 7" national police facility in Caracas. Roughly 10 women, many wearing face masks, lay down in a line to protest the continued detention of their family members. This escalation occurs during a sensitive transitional period for the country, where families are increasingly emboldened to challenge the state. Protesters, including 46 year old immigration official Evelin Quiaro, stated that their hunger strike will continue until every political prisoner is released. Quiaro’s son has been detained since November on terror related charges, which she and other activists maintain are politically motivated.

Limited Releases and Legislative Deadlock

The hunger strike follows an announcement by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez that 17 prisoners were released in the early hours of Saturday morning. While Rodriguez described the move as a step toward "democratic coexistence," the specific names of the freed individuals were not immediately disclosed. This development coincides with a legislative impasse regarding a broad amnesty bill. On Thursday, lawmakers postponed the final adoption of the legislation after failing to reach a consensus on its application. A primary point of contention between pro government and opposition lawmakers is an article that would require beneficiaries to personally appear in court to request their amnesty.

Framework of the Transitional Amnesty Law

The proposed amnesty legislation is the cornerstone of reforms led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez. The law is designed to cover a wide range of charges used against dissidents over the past 27 years, including "treason," "terrorism," and "spreading hate." It aims to provide a legal pathway for reconciliation following the capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro by U.S. special forces in early January 2026. If passed, the bill could potentially see hundreds of activists walk free. However, the postponement of the debate until February 19 has created a vacuum of uncertainty for families who expected immediate results from the post Maduro transition.