CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona, an ally of opposition leader María Corina Machado, has been released from prison following the government's announcement of an amnesty bill aimed at freeing political prisoners. This information was confirmed by rights organizations and family members on Sunday. Tarazona, who serves as the director of the nonprofit human rights group FundaRedes, was initially arrested in July 2021 after he reported harassment from national intelligence officials. At the time of his arrest, two other activists from his organization were also detained.
As reported by Foro Penal, a nonprofit that monitors political prisoners in Venezuela, 310 individuals who were imprisoned for political reasons have been released as of Saturday, while an additional 700 are still awaiting liberation. José Rafael Tarazona Sánchez, Tarazona's brother, expressed his joy over the release, stating on X, "After 1675 days, four years and seven months, this wishful day has arrived. My brother Javier Tarazona is free. Freedom for one is hope for all."
Tarazona’s release coincided with the arrival of U.S. Charge d'Affaires Laura Dogu in Caracas, who is set to reopen the American diplomatic mission in Venezuela after a hiatus of seven years. This event follows U.S. President Donald Trump's previous military action that led to the ousting of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who has since faced trial in the U.S. Dogu, who has served as ambassador in Nicaragua and Honduras, arrived shortly after Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodríguez announced the amnesty bill, a significant demand from the Venezuelan opposition.
The Venezuelan government had accused Tarazona of terrorism, a common charge levied against opposition figures. Tarazona had been an outspoken critic of illegal armed groups operating along the country's border with Colombia, asserting their alleged connections to high-ranking officials in the Maduro administration. Concerns over Tarazona’s health grew during his incarceration, as Amnesty International reported significant deterioration due to insufficient medical care.
María Corina Machado praised Tarazona upon his release, emphasizing his courage and commitment. She expressed admiration for him on X, stating, "All of Venezuela admires you and respects your bravery and your commitment. You, better than anyone, know that there will be justice in Venezuela. Freedom for all political prisoners." Conversely, the Venezuelan government maintains that it does not imprison opposition members and accuses them of plotting to overthrow the government.
The unfolding situation in Venezuela continues to draw attention both domestically and internationally, as the current government's approach to political dissent remains a focal point of contention. The release of Javier Tarazona and the potential implications of the amnesty bill signal a noteworthy moment in Venezuela's fraught political climate.
