Prominent Venezuelan rights activist Javier Tarazona has been freed, in the latest prisoner release announced by the government amid U.S. 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 January 8.
On Friday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government would introduce an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners. The bill also aims to close El Helicoide prison.
The announcement came four weeks after U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding the regime introduce political and economic reforms. Fundaredes explained that Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out.
While his release is a positive step, Fundaredes noted it does not erase the injustice Tarazona suffered, describing it as part of a broader context of criminalization, persecution, and lack of due process.
Tarazona alleged that Venezuelan officials had ties to Colombian guerrillas, leading to accusations of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred against him.
Maduro's dramatic capture by U.S. special forces has reinvigorated families of opposition and rights figures arrested under his regime to intensify calls for their release.
Venezuela has long denied the existence of political prisoners, but families and rights advocates continue demanding an end to the arbitrary charges against detainees, including politicians, journalists, and activists. The amnesty bill announced by Rodríguez aims to 'heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism.' However, Foro Penal mentioned that many recently freed individuals remain in legal limbo with charges against them still standing.
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 January 8.
On Friday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government would introduce an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners. The bill also aims to close El Helicoide prison.
The announcement came four weeks after U.S. forces seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding the regime introduce political and economic reforms. Fundaredes explained that Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out.
While his release is a positive step, Fundaredes noted it does not erase the injustice Tarazona suffered, describing it as part of a broader context of criminalization, persecution, and lack of due process.
Tarazona alleged that Venezuelan officials had ties to Colombian guerrillas, leading to accusations of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred against him.
Maduro's dramatic capture by U.S. special forces has reinvigorated families of opposition and rights figures arrested under his regime to intensify calls for their release.
Venezuela has long denied the existence of political prisoners, but families and rights advocates continue demanding an end to the arbitrary charges against detainees, including politicians, journalists, and activists. The amnesty bill announced by Rodríguez aims to 'heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism.' However, Foro Penal mentioned that many recently freed individuals remain in legal limbo with charges against them still standing.
