Venezuela Hunger Strike: Political Prisoners Demand Freedom Amid Amnesty Law Concerns

More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela, including Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, have initiated a hunger strike to protest the limited scope of a recently approved amnesty law. The strike began at Rodeo I prison, located on the outskirts of Caracas, as detainees express dissatisfaction that the law excludes many prisoners, particularly those accused of “terrorism.”

Amnesty Law Falls Short, Sparking Protest

The amnesty law, passed on Thursday and pushed for under pressure from the United States, was intended to release political prisoners and normalize relations with Washington following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in January. While 379 prisoners have been granted freedom under the law, with 80 released on Saturday, many remain incarcerated.

Families of detainees argue the law’s criteria are too restrictive. Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a police officer arrested in 2024, explained that approximately 214 prisoners – both Venezuelan and foreign nationals – began the hunger strike on Friday due to the law’s limitations. Yalitza García, mother-in-law of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo, echoed these concerns.

International Red Cross Gains Access

A commission from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has gained access to Rodeo I prison and other facilities, including the Helicoide Prison, to assess the conditions of the detainees. Filippo Gatti, ICRC health coordinator for Venezuela, noted that access to Helicoide Prison was a “first step” and a positive development.

Gallo’s Arrest and Family’s Plea

Nahuel Agustín Gallo, a 33-year-aged suboficial of the Gendarmería Nacional Argentina, was arrested in Venezuela after traveling to visit his partner and child. The Venezuelan government confirmed his arrest, with Minister of Interior and Justice Diosdado Cabello questioning the purpose of his visit and suggesting he was on a mission. Gallo’s family has repeatedly sought information regarding his whereabouts, with his suegra, Yalitza García, appealing to authorities for his release.

Concerns Over Exclusions and Scope

Experts have raised questions about the amnesty law’s scope, noting that individuals involved in activities classified as “terrorist” – including police officers and soldiers – may be excluded. The law also does not fully cover the period of the presidencies of Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) and Nicolás Maduro.

Opposition Calls for Full Democracy

Opposition figures, such as Juan Pablo Guanipa, who was recently released and then re-arrested before ultimately being freed, are calling for full democracy and the release of all political prisoners. Guanipa, an ally of Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, spoke to supporters in Maracaibo, demanding elections.

Additional Releases and Ongoing Efforts

Venezuelan authorities have indicated that approximately 11,000 political prisoners who were previously released on parole may also benefit from the amnesty law. A special commission has been established to review the cases of prisoners excluded from the initial amnesty.