On Saturday, several relatives of political prisoners in Venezuela began a hunger strike in front of a prison in the capital, Caracas. This protest comes as discussions about a long-promised amnesty law have dragged on. The law is central to the reforms initiated by acting President Delcy Rodriguez following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by American special forces on January 3. The ongoing discussions reflect the uncertainty and tension surrounding political detainees in the country.

Venezuela has historically imprisoned foreigners and opposition figures on various charges, including espionage and conspiracy. The anticipated amnesty law aims to open a new chapter for the country by potentially dropping all charges against individuals who have criticized or opposed Maduro’s regime. This would also extend to those persecuted under Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chávez, starting from 1999 when Chávez assumed the presidency, highlighting the law's historical implications on past political dissension.

The Venezuelan government had promised a mass release of prisoners on January 8, but the authorities have gradually released only a few individuals since then, leading to heightened frustrations among families of the detained. The hunger strike signifies a desperate plea for justice and a resolution to the plight of political prisoners, showcasing the Brazilian families' struggle against what they perceive as systemic injustice within the government and its handling of dissenters.