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Venezuela Grants Immunity to Maduro Allies, Sparking Outrage

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. -immunity-to-maduro-allies-sparking-outrage.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 1:15 GMT by CNN
      Locales: VENEZUELA, UNITED STATES

Caracas, Venezuela - February 20, 2026 - The Venezuelan National Assembly's recent passage of a law granting immunity to individuals linked to President Nicolas Maduro has ignited a firestorm of controversy, raising serious questions about the government's commitment to genuine dialogue with the opposition and its willingness to address widespread accusations of corruption and human rights abuses. Approved on Thursday after a contentious debate, the law ostensibly seeks to foster a more productive environment for ongoing negotiations, but critics are overwhelmingly viewing it as a calculated maneuver to protect Maduro and his inner circle from potential legal repercussions.

While the government frames the legislation as a necessary step toward a peaceful resolution to Venezuela's prolonged political and economic crisis, many observers believe it is a thinly veiled attempt to establish a legal shield, ensuring impunity for alleged crimes ranging from corruption and drug trafficking to systematic human rights violations. Dozens of Maduro's officials are already subjects of investigations in the United States and various other nations, investigations that this law aims to effectively nullify within Venezuela.

"This isn't about facilitating negotiations; it's about preemptively dismantling accountability," stated Carlos Berrocal, a lawyer with Justicia para Todas las Victorias, a leading human rights organization in Venezuela. "It sends a clear message that those in power are above the law and that victims of abuse will be denied justice." Berrocal's assessment is shared by numerous international organizations, including the United Nations, which has urged Venezuela to ensure any immunity granted adheres strictly to international human rights law - a standard many believe this law fails to meet.

The timing of this legislation is particularly concerning given the depth of Venezuela's ongoing humanitarian crisis. The country is grappling with widespread poverty, severe food shortages, and a crumbling healthcare system. Maduro's government has consistently been blamed for the economic collapse, fueled by years of mismanagement, corruption, and failed socialist policies. The crisis has driven millions of Venezuelans to flee the country, creating one of the largest migration crises in recent South American history.

The current negotiations between the Maduro government and the opposition are intended to chart a path towards free and fair elections, a key demand of the opposition and the international community. However, the immunity law has cast a long shadow over these talks, fueling suspicions that Maduro is merely engaging in dialogue to buy time and consolidate his power. Opposition leaders express increasing concerns that the government lacks genuine interest in a meaningful political transition.

"The government wants to appear as if it's negotiating in good faith, but this law demonstrates the opposite," explained Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Unified Opposition Coalition. "How can we trust a government that actively protects those accused of crimes against humanity?" Rodriguez added that the opposition is considering all available options, including withdrawing from the negotiations, if the law is not repealed or significantly amended.

The law's legality is also being questioned. While it's expected to face challenges within Venezuela's judicial system, that system is largely controlled by Maduro's supporters, making any successful appeal highly improbable. This control over the judiciary, combined with the immunity law, effectively creates a system where those loyal to Maduro are shielded from accountability, further eroding the rule of law in Venezuela.

Experts suggest that the immunity law could have far-reaching consequences, not only for Venezuela's internal political landscape but also for regional stability. The potential for impunity could embolden corrupt officials and human rights abusers, potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and fueling further instability. It also sets a dangerous precedent, signaling to other authoritarian regimes that they can shield their allies from justice.

The international community's response is being closely watched. While the UN has voiced its concerns, more robust action, such as targeted sanctions and increased pressure on Maduro's government, may be necessary to ensure accountability and encourage a genuine commitment to democratic principles. The future of Venezuela hangs in the balance, and the passage of this controversial immunity law has only deepened the uncertainty surrounding the country's path forward.