Foro Penal Venezolano

Force in Play

Counted 322 political prisoners on October 29, 2026, down from 344 on September 18

María Corina Machado used her first public speech since returning to Venezuela to back a US plan for presidential elections in 2027, calling the transition "irreversible." She said she and her Vente Venezuela movement are not part of the talks between the government and the 2015 National Assembly, though she expects those talks to produce a new Supreme Court, a new electoral council and an election date.

Updated Nov 2

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Tracks political detentions in Venezuela

Venezuela freed 39 political prisoners over the weekend, the largest release since spring. The move came days after interim President Delcy Rodríguez met Donald Trump in New York, where she promised elections but gave no date.

Updated Sep 28

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Monitoring ongoing amnesty law implementation and prisoner releases

Congress hasn't declared war since 1942, though presidents have ordered 212 military strikes without formal declarations. On January 3, 2026, U.S. special forces raided Venezuela, captured President Nicolás Maduro in his residence, and flew him to New York to face narcoterrorism charges.

Updated May 22