Venezuela in February 2026: the most important developments in society
In February 2026, Venezuela saw protests and a hunger strike, and the release of political prisoners continued. On February 4, thousands of Maduro supporters marched in Caracas demanding the return of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were reportedly taken by US forces about a month earlier. Other protests followed, on February 10 over exclusions from the amnesty law and on February 12 after opposition arrests. Media described the demonstrations as the first major protests since Maduro's capture.
Relatives of political prisoners began a hunger strike in Caracas around February 14, and on February 22 and 23 more than 200 political prisoners were reported to be on hunger strike. Activist Javier Tarazona was freed on February 1 among at least nine prisoners released. On February 23, the first prisoners were released under the amnesty law, and by February 24 an NGO counted just over 540 freed. The government promised exiles they could return.
Rodriguez urged Venezuelan youth to fight for peace and democracy. On February 25, US President Donald Trump's State of the Union speech focused on Venezuela and migration. Reports at month end described Caracas as reviving after years of devastation.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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