Inmates at the Rodeo I penitentiary, near Caracas, joined the protest, which began in the context of the new amnesty law
began a hunger strike in Venezuela to demand their freedom. Around 200 inmates joined the protest, which began on Friday (22.Feb.2026), at the Rodeo I penitentiary, on the outskirts of Caracas.
“Approximately 214 people in total, including Venezuelans and foreigners, are on hunger strike”said Yalitza García, daughter-in-law of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Agustín Gallo.
The information was confirmed by relatives of those arrested to AFP.
“They decided to go on hunger strike on Friday, as a result of which excludes the vast majority”, said Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a police officer arrested in 2024.
The new law, promoted by the interim president, (MSV, left), was sanctioned by the government on Thursday (19.Feb). In theory, it covers opponents arrested between 1999 and 2026, but exclusively benefits those detained in 13 episodes of tension and political mobilization since 2002. Cases related to military operations are excluded.
Since he was by US military forces during held in Caracas in early January, the government granted parole to 448 opponents. However, according to the NGO Foro Penal, which leads the defense of political prisoners, there are still 650 behind bars.
