In Venezuela, there will not just be the release of political prisoners, but an amnesty, covering all years. And the local 'American prison' will be transformed into a public space

El Helicoide. Photo: AP Photo / Matias Delacroix

As reported by Le Monde, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced during her speech at the Supreme Court on January 30 the closure of the infamous 'El Helicoide' prison – the Venezuelan equivalent of Minsk's 'American prison'.

This facility, originally conceived as a futuristic shopping mall, was transformed into a special services pre-trial detention center under the Maduro regime. Political opponents of the government were held there for many years.

Now, the country's leadership promises to restore the building to its peaceful purpose. According to government plans, 'El Helicoide' will be transformed into a multifunctional public space: it will become a sports, cultural, and commercial center, open to both local residents and police officers' families.

Speaking at the Supreme Court, Delcy Rodríguez presented a bill on general amnesty. It is intended to cover the entire period of political violence in the country — from the moment Hugo Chávez came to power in 1999 to the present day.

"This law will serve to heal the wounds left by political confrontation, fueled by violence and extremism. It will allow us to put justice back on the right track in our country," the publication quoted Rodríguez as saying.

In addition to announcing the amnesty, the acting president announced large-scale national consultations on the creation of a new judicial system for Venezuela.

In turn, opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado emphasized that the regime's recent steps are not a gesture of goodwill, but rather the result of decisive pressure from the United States government. Nevertheless, she expressed hope that hundreds of prisoners would finally be able to return to their families.

Павялічыць

Political prisoners leave Tacuita prison. January 25, 2026. Photo: AP Photo / Jacinto Oliveros

At the same time, data on the number of released individuals remains contradictory. While official authorities claim the release of 600 to 800 people, the human rights organization Foro Penal reports significantly more modest figures — fewer than 300-400 people from the lists of political prisoners.

According to human rights defenders, hundreds of activists and journalists may still remain behind bars. At the same time, the issue with foreigners has already been resolved: Washington has confirmed the release of all American citizens held in Venezuelan prisons.

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