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 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 stated the government would introduce an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners, with plans to close El Helicoide prison.
The announcement came four weeks after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, demanding the regime introduce necessary political and economic reforms. Fundaredes stated Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out, adding that his release does not erase his past injustice, but is a significant step in a long process of criminalization and persecution.
Tarazona had alleged government officials were linked with guerrillas in Colombia, which provoked accusations of treason and terrorism from the state. Maduro's capture on January 3 has spurred families of opposition and rights figures to ramp up calls for their release.
Venezuela has generally denied the existence of political prisoners, though families and advocates argue that charges like terrorism and treason against political dissidents are often arbitrary. The announced amnesty bill, which aims to mend political divisions, is anticipated to pass through the National Assembly soon. However, Foro Penal has noted that many freed individuals still face unresolved charges and are barred 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 stated the government would introduce an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners, with plans to close El Helicoide prison.
The announcement came four weeks after US forces captured President Nicolás Maduro, demanding the regime introduce necessary political and economic reforms. Fundaredes stated Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out, adding that his release does not erase his past injustice, but is a significant step in a long process of criminalization and persecution.
Tarazona had alleged government officials were linked with guerrillas in Colombia, which provoked accusations of treason and terrorism from the state. Maduro's capture on January 3 has spurred families of opposition and rights figures to ramp up calls for their release.
Venezuela has generally denied the existence of political prisoners, though families and advocates argue that charges like terrorism and treason against political dissidents are often arbitrary. The announced amnesty bill, which aims to mend political divisions, is anticipated to pass through the National Assembly soon. However, Foro Penal has noted that many freed individuals still face unresolved charges and are barred from public speaking.
