Over 200 political prisoners in Venezuela are on hunger strike, demanding release under a new amnesty law that excludes many military and terrorism-related cases.

GUATIRE: More than 200 Venezuelan political prisoners have launched a hunger strike to demand their release under a new amnesty law that excludes them.

The inmates at the Rodeo I prison, east of Caracas, began the protest on Friday night after learning they would not benefit from the legislation.

Shouts of “Freedom!” and “Rodeo I on strike” were audible from outside the facility on Sunday, an AFP journalist witnessed.

Yalitza Garcia, a relative of a prisoner, stated that approximately 214 people, including foreigners, are participating in the strike.

The amnesty law was approved by Venezuela’s congress last Thursday as part of reforms encouraged by the United States.

It excludes cases involving the military and those accused of terrorism, which are common at the Rodeo I facility.

Shakira Ibarreto, daughter of a detained policeman, confirmed the strike was a direct response to the law’s limited scope.

A team from the International Committee of the Red Cross visited the prison on Sunday for the first time.

ICRC health coordinator Filippo Gatti told families this visit represented “a first step” towards improved access.

Not all inmates at the prison are participating in the hunger strike, according to relatives.

The law was engineered by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez under pressure from Washington.

Opposition figures have criticised the legislation for containing carve-outs for offences used to target political opponents.

It also excludes security force members convicted of activities the government considered terrorism.

The amnesty does extend to 11,000 political prisoners who were previously paroled or under house arrest.

The head of the legislature said on Saturday that over 1,500 prisoners have already applied for amnesty.

Hundreds of others were released by Rodriguez’s government before the bill was approved.

A handful of inmates were released from Rodeo I on Sunday, greeted with applause from waiting families.

Freed prisoner Robin Colina excitedly told a loved one via mobile phone, “I’m out, I love you so much, my queen!”

Another released detainee, Armando Fusil, confirmed many remain on strike because “they want to get out.”

Fusil, a 55-year-old police commissioner, said he was arrested for no reason in October 2024.

His family made a nearly 40-hour trip every Friday for a brief visit during his detention.

The NGO Foro Penal, which defends political prisoners, reported 23 releases on Sunday.

Former president Nicolas Maduro ruled Venezuela from 2013 until his capture by US forces in January.

Maduro and his wife are in US custody awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.

The former leader has pleaded not guilty and declared himself a prisoner of war.

 The Sun Malaysia