Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela's El Rodeo 1 prison have begun a hunger strike, demanding release under the new amnesty law. The protest erupted after parliament, under U.S. pressure, passed regulations that exclude a significant portion of inmates, especially soldiers and individuals accused of terrorism. Meanwhile, authorities announced the start of work to transform the infamous Helicoide prison into a public space.
Mass protest at El Rodeo 1
Approximately 214 political prisoners are refusing food, demanding to be covered by the amnesty and improved living conditions.
Controversy surrounding the amnesty
The new law excludes individuals linked to military actions, sparking opposition from a large portion of imprisoned military personnel.
Elimination of a symbol of torture
Renovation has begun on the Helicoide prison, which is to cease functioning as a torture chamber for the SEBIN intelligence service.
Diplomatic battle over Maduro
Remnants of the old government are demanding before the UN the release of the former dictator from American custody.
The situation in Venezuela's penitentiary system escalated dramatically after Thursday's vote in the National Assembly. Although a historic amnesty law was passed, which has already led to the release of dozens of people, over 200 inmates at the El Rodeo 1 facility near Caracas have undertaken a desperate form of protest. The strikers point to unfair selection criteria that prevent the release of individuals accused of collaborating with foreign forces or participating in military operations against the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Among the protesters are both Venezuelan citizens and foreigners, including Argentines and Spaniards. Simultaneously, on the international stage, a diplomatic dispute continues over the fate of Maduro himself, who has been in U.S. custody since January 3rd. Speaking in Geneva, Venezuela's Minister of Foreign Affairs demanded his immediate release, calling U.S. actions an "illegal military operation." Within the country, interim President Delcy Rodríguez is trying to balance Washington's expectations with public sentiment, symbolized by the start of the Helicoide prison renovation. This building, previously the headquarters of SEBIN and a symbol of torture, is to be transformed into a center serving citizens, aligning with the rhetoric of "building national happiness" after the era of authoritarianism. Data from non-governmental organizations, such as Foro Penal, confirms that the process of releasing hackers and opposition activists is progressing, but the pace of these changes does not satisfy the families of the inmates. On Sunday, the walls of El Rodeo 1 prison echoed with cries of "Freedom!", and relatives of the prisoners are raising alarms about the critical health condition of those on hunger strike and the lack of adequate medical care in the facilities. Economists note that political stability is essential for the planned opening of the oil sector, which is a priority for the new administration cooperating with the U.S.Since 1999, Venezuela was under the rule of the Chavista movement, which led to a deep economic crisis and international isolation. January 2026 brought a breakthrough in the form of a U.S. military operation that ended the rule of Nicolás Maduro and opened the path to the current reforms.„Environ 214 au total, entre Vénézuéliens et étrangers, sont en grève de la faim.” (Approximately 214 in total, both Venezuelans and foreigners, are on hunger strike.) — Yalitza García
Mentioned People
- Delcy Rodríguez — Interim President of Venezuela cooperating with the U.S. on reforms.
- Nicolás Maduro — Ousted authoritarian leader of Venezuela, captured by U.S. forces.
- María Corina Machado — Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.