Archive · 2 Feb 2026
Venezuela Frees Rights Activist Tarazona in Prisoner Release
Javier Tarazona, a rights activist in Venezuela, was freed from prison.
He was arrested in 2021 and accused of terrorism and conspiracy.
The government is releasing many prisoners and has proposed a law to free even more.
They also plan to turn a notorious prison, the Helicoide, into a community center.
Families of prisoners say the releases are happening too slowly, and there are still over 700 political prisoners in jail.
The government says they are not holding political prisoners, but rights groups disagree.
The releases started after the U.S. captured Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, on narcoterrorism charges, which he denies.
Javier Tarazona, a Venezuelan rights activist, was freed after 1,675 days in prison.
The government announced a proposed amnesty law and the conversion of the Helicoide detention center into a community center.
Over 300 prisoner releases have been verified by Foro Penal, but families say the process is too slow.
More than 700 political prisoners remain jailed, according to Foro Penal.
The releases follow the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro on narcoterrorism charges, which he denies.
- Who
- Javier Tarazona, a Venezuelan rights activist and director of FundaRedes
- What
- Release of political prisoners, including Tarazona, and announcement of a proposed amnesty law
- When
- Announced on January 8, with releases ongoing; Tarazona freed on February 1
- Where
- Venezuela, primarily in Caracas
- Why
- Government initiative to release prisoners and convert the Helicoide detention center; context includes U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro
Government
Rights Groups and Families
Political Prisoners
Government
Denies holding political prisoners, stating those jailed have committed crimes.
Rights Groups and Families
Asserts that over 700 political prisoners remain jailed, including activists and opposition figures.
Release Process
Government
Claims over 600 prisoners have been released, including releases from prior years.
Rights Groups and Families
Families and rights groups say the process is too slow and have verified only 344 releases.
- Activist Freed
- Javier Tarazona
- Organization
- FundaRedes
- Arrest Date
- July 2021
- Charges
- Terrorism and conspiracy
- Prisoner Releases Verified
- 344
- Proposed Amnesty Law
- Affects hundreds of detainees
- Helicoide Detention Center
- To be converted into a center for sport and social services
- Remaining Political Prisoners
- More than 700
Sources
Venezuela rights activist Tarazona freed in prisoner release
Venezuela rights activist freed from notorious jail amid prisoner release
Venezuela releases at least nine prisoners including activists
Venezuela releases human rights activist Javier Tarazona and 8 others from Caracas prison a month after Maduro's capture