Venezuela has released a prominent right-wing activist amid pressure from the United States calling for political and economic reforms, following last month's raid on former President Maduro.
On 1 Feb 2026 GMT+7, foreign news agencies reported that Javier Tarazona, a well-known Venezuelan human rights activist, has been released from prison. He is the latest political prisoner freed by the Venezuelan government under US pressure for national reform.
Tarazona is the director of the human rights NGO Fundaredes. He was arrested in 2021 and held in the notorious El Helicoide prison in Caracas. Fundaredes announced his release last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Foro Penal, another Venezuelan human rights group, stated it has verified and confirmed the release of over 300 political prisoners since 8 January.
Last Friday, Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela's acting president, said the government will propose an amnesty law expected to benefit hundreds of political prisoners. Under this bill, El Helicoide prison is also scheduled to be closed.
This announcement came four weeks after US forces unexpectedly captured President Nicolas Maduro and called on the Venezuelan government to implement political and economic reforms.
Tarazona had accused state officials of links to Colombian guerrilla groups, with Colombia sharing a border of over 2,000 kilometers with Venezuela. As a result, the Venezuelan government charged him with rebellion, terrorism, and inciting hatred.
The unexpected US special forces raid on Maduro on 3 January has galvanized families of opposition supporters and activists detained during the Maduro and former President Hugo Chavez eras to intensify campaigns demanding the release of other prisoners.
Venezuela has consistently denied holding political prisoners, but families and human rights advocates call for the acquittal of all detainees. Opposition politicians, journalists, and activists face serious charges like terrorism and rebellion, which their families view as politically motivated.
Rodriguez announced the amnesty bill is expected to be approved by the National Assembly within days. She said the law aims to “heal wounds caused by political confrontations, violence, and extremist ideas.”
However, Foro Penal noted many recently released individuals have not been formally acquitted of their original charges, leaving them in a legal limbo. The group also said these individuals are prohibited from speaking or expressing opinions publicly.
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Source:bbc