Javier Tarazona, Venezuelan Rights Activist, Released Amid Political Changes

Mon Feb 02 2026 13:58:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Javier Tarazona, a well-known human rights advocate in Venezuela, has been released from prison. This development follows increased pressure on the Venezuelan government to reform amid US interventions.

Javier Tarazona, detained since 2021 for advocating human rights, was freed recently by the Venezuelan government amidst escalating US pressures. His release represents part of a broader move to address the plight of political prisoners, signaling potential shifts in Venezuela's political landscape.

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 January 8.

On Friday, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said 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 seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding political and economic reforms from the regime.

In its statement on Sunday, Fundaredes said Tarazona had been jailed for defending human rights, denouncing abuses, and speaking out. It added that his release did not erase the injustice he suffered, but represented a necessary step in a process marked by criminalisation, persecution, and a lack of due process.

Tarazona had alleged that government officials had links with guerrillas in Colombia, with which Venezuela has a 2,000km (1,200-mile) border. The government accused him of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred.

Maduro's dramatic capture by US special forces on January 3 has encouraged families of opposition leaders and human rights figures arrested under the Maduro administration and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, to intensify their campaign for releases.

Venezuela has long denied holding political prisoners, but families and rights advocates have demanded charges against detainees be dropped. Opposition politicians, journalists, and activists have faced charges including terrorism and treason, which their families describe as arbitrary.

The amnesty bill announced by Rodríguez is expected to be approved by the National Assembly soon. Its aim, as stated by the acting president, is to heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism.

Foro Penal has indicated that many of those recently freed have not had the charges against them dropped, leaving them in legal limbo and barred from public speaking.