More than 200 political prisoners in Venezuela have embarked on a hunger strike, including an Argentine gendarme accused of terrorism, to protest against the exclusions in a newly passed amnesty law. This announcement, made by family members and the prisoners themselves, highlights the discontent over the terms of the amnesty that many feel do not adequately address the plight of all political detainees. Family members have been actively supporting the strikers by gathering nearby and shouting messages of encouragement, indicating the solidarity present within their community.

The hunger strike commenced on Friday night at El Rodeo prison in the outskirts of Caracas, coinciding with the release of some inmates. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was on-site to assess the situation of the remaining prisoners, finding access to not only El Rodeo but also to other notorious prisons like Helicoide. This oversight is critical as it underscores the broader issues of human rights and political repression in Venezuela, which have drawn international attention and concern.

While not all detainees joined the hunger strike, the protest brings to light ongoing tensions and frustrations concerning the Venezuelan government's handling of political dissent and the justice system. The situation continues to evolve as the hunger strike progresses, raising questions about the government's response and the fate of all political prisoners caught in the complex crisis that is unfolding in Venezuela.