Venezuela frees 17 political prisoners before amnesty law
The Hindu
Venezuela releases 17 political prisoners as amnesty law discussions continue, aiming to end decades of state repression.
Venezuela’s parliament chief said on Saturday (February 14, 2026) that 17 political prisoners had been released, as talks continue over the adoption of a historic amnesty bill designed to end the use of courts to crack down on dissent.
The amnesty law, if enacted, is expected to cover all charges brought against dissidents who opposed the rule of ousted leader Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chavez over the past 27 years.
“Under the Amnesty Law, 17 people deprived of their liberty in Zona 7 are being released at this moment,” National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez wrote on social media, referring to the detention center in capital Caracas.
He called for Venezuelans to “continue this path of peace for the construction of democratic coexistence.”
Mr. Rodriguez did not publish the names of those released.
Lawmakers on Thursday (February 12) postponed its adoption after failing to reach an agreement on how to apply it.
Sri Lanka repatriates 45 Iranian sailors' bodies after a U.S. submarine attack, while 32 survivors recover at a local airbase.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards threaten a stronger response to potential protests, citing ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel.
Shorts News:NASA says it’s ready to go back to the moon for the first time in 50 years
Cambodia's government approves a draft law to combat cyberscamming, imposing severe penalties on fraudsters targeting global internet users.
Mohammad Marandi discusses the miscalculations of the U.S. and Israel in their conflict with Iran and its repercussions.
EU's Kaja Kallas claims the U.S. aims to "divide Europe" and doesn't support the European Union, amid rising tensions.
Ukraine is opening access to its battlefield data for its allies to train drone AI software, the defence minister said
U.S. President Donald Trump vows major retaliation against Iran after drone attacks on Gulf states escalate tensions in the region.
Taiwan's Parliament approves U.S. arms deals, prioritizing national security amid concerns over defense funding and international support.
Japanese women challenge restrictive sterilization laws, asserting their right to bodily autonomy against societal pressures to motherhood.
Israel's military drops charges against soldiers accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee, prompting outrage from human rights groups.
One-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 were still using social media two months after the country banned platforms from allowing minors, industry data showed
Explore the timeline of recent ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran.