Javier Tarazona Freed: A New Step in Venezuela's Political Reformation
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 stated that the government would introduce an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners. Under the proposed bill, El Helicoide is also due to be closed.
The announcement came four weeks after US forces seized President Nicolás Maduro, demanding 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. It added that his release did not erase the injustice he suffered, but was 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. The government accused him of treason, terrorism, and incitement to hatred. Maduro's dramatic capture by US special forces on 3 January has encouraged families of opposition and human rights figures arrested under Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez to amplify their campaigns for releases.
Venezuela has long denied holding political prisoners, but activists have demanded charges against detainees be dropped. Opposition politicians, journalists, and activists have seen charges including terrorism and treason, which their families describe as arbitrary.
The recently announced amnesty bill is expected to be approved by the National Assembly soon. Its aim, Rodríguez stated, is to heal the wounds of political confrontation, violence, and extremism. However, Foro Penal has noted that many of those freed recently still have not had charges dropped, leaving them in legal limbo and barred from public speaking.
