Prominent Venezuelan rights activist Javier Tarazona has been freed, in the latest prisoner release announced by the government amid US pressure for reforms. Tarazona, the head of human rights NGO Fundaredes, was arrested in 2021 and detained in the notorious El Helicoide prison in the capital Caracas. His release was announced on Sunday by Fundaredes. Foro Penal, another Venezuelan rights group, said it had verified the liberation of more than 300 political prisoners since 8 January. On Friday acting President, Delcy Rodríguez said the government would introduce an amnesty law that is expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners. Under the bill, El Helicoide is also due to be closed.
The announcement came four weeks after US forces seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding that the regime introduce political and economic reforms. Fundaredes stated that Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out. Although his release does not erase the injustice suffered, it is viewed as a necessary step in a context marked by criminalization and persecution.
Additionally, Tarazona alleged governmental links with guerrillas in Colombia, leading the government to accuse him of treason and incitement to hatred. The dramatic capture of Maduro by US special forces on 3 January has motivated families of opposition and human rights figures arrested under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, to intensify their campaign for releases. Venezuela has long denied holding political prisoners, despite families and rights advocates arguing that charges against detainees are arbitrary.
The newly announced amnesty bill aims to heal the wounds of political confrontation and is expected to be approved by the National Assembly soon. However, many of those recently freed still face legal uncertainties and restrictions on public speaking.
The announcement came four weeks after US forces seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding that the regime introduce political and economic reforms. Fundaredes stated that Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out. Although his release does not erase the injustice suffered, it is viewed as a necessary step in a context marked by criminalization and persecution.
Additionally, Tarazona alleged governmental links with guerrillas in Colombia, leading the government to accuse him of treason and incitement to hatred. The dramatic capture of Maduro by US special forces on 3 January has motivated families of opposition and human rights figures arrested under Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, to intensify their campaign for releases. Venezuela has long denied holding political prisoners, despite families and rights advocates arguing that charges against detainees are arbitrary.
The newly announced amnesty bill aims to heal the wounds of political confrontation and is expected to be approved by the National Assembly soon. However, many of those recently freed still face legal uncertainties and restrictions on public speaking.
