Venezuela to release 300 prisoners under amnesty law by May 22, 2026

Exam-focused facts from the 21 May 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

Venezuela is releasing 300 prisoners between May 19 and May 22, 2026, under an amnesty law aimed at freeing political detainees.
The amnesty law was adopted in February as part of reforms by interim leader Delcy Rodriguez following the United States (US) ouster of Nicolas Maduro in January.
The release process includes minors, individuals over 70 years old, persons with medical conditions, and former police officials linked to the April 2002 overthrow of Hugo Chavez.
On May 19, 2026, 16 political prisoners accused of offenses in the oil industry were released.
The interior ministry stated that over 8,000 people have benefited from the amnesty, including 314 released from prison and others granted freedom after parole.