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 and demanded the regime introduce political and economic reforms. In its statement, Fundaredes said Tarazona had been jailed 'for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out'. They noted that his release did not 'erase the injustice he suffered', but was nonetheless a necessary step.
Tarazona had alleged that government officials had links with guerrillas in Colombia. Maduro's dramatic capture on 3 January has encouraged families of opposition and human rights figures to campaign for releases. Venezuela has historically denied holding political prisoners, facing international criticism for arbitrary detentions under terrorism or treason charges. The proposed amnesty bill aims to 'heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism'. However, many freed prisoners still face legal restrictions barring them from public speaking.
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 and demanded the regime introduce political and economic reforms. In its statement, Fundaredes said Tarazona had been jailed 'for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out'. They noted that his release did not 'erase the injustice he suffered', but was nonetheless a necessary step.
Tarazona had alleged that government officials had links with guerrillas in Colombia. Maduro's dramatic capture on 3 January has encouraged families of opposition and human rights figures to campaign for releases. Venezuela has historically denied holding political prisoners, facing international criticism for arbitrary detentions under terrorism or treason charges. The proposed amnesty bill aims to 'heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism'. However, many freed prisoners still face legal restrictions barring them from public speaking.
