In Venezuela, four human rights defenders are unjustly imprisoned for their relentless pursuit of justice. Among them, Javier Tarazona has faced incarceration since 2021, while Rocío San Miguel, Carlos Julio Rojas, and Kennedy Tejeda were detained in early 2024. These individuals are regarded as prisoners of conscience and should be released immediately, without any conditions imposed upon them. Moreover, it is essential to ensure their safety from torture and uphold their right to a fair trial.
To aid these defenders, individuals are encouraged to reach out to Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, urging him to unconditionally release Tarazona, San Miguel, Rojas, and Tejeda, along with all others who are arbitrarily detained. The call to action also includes demands for guaranteeing their right to life, access to necessary medical care, and protection from torture or ill-treatment, while also ensuring a fair legal process.
The detained defenders each have compelling stories. Javier Tarazona, the director of the NGO FundaRedes, was apprehended while reporting government harassment. Rocío San Miguel, a lawyer, suffers a shoulder fracture that needs immediate attention. Carlos Julio Rojas, a journalist, was arrested for voicing community concerns, while Kennedy Tejeda, a volunteer lawyer, was taken in while seeking information on arrested individuals.
These four individuals have faced horrific human rights abuses, including being forcibly disappeared and deprived of adequate legal representation and medical attention. Many reports indicate torture, as these violations have attracted the scrutiny of international justice bodies.
Compounding the situation, the Venezuelan government has escalated its crackdown on civil society, particularly after the July 2024 elections, which saw over 2,000 political arrests. By February 2025, over 1,000 individuals, including minors and vulnerable populations, remained in arbitrary detention amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis forcing millions to flee the country.
New oppressive laws further threaten civil society’s existence. The anti-NGO law, enacted in August 2024, mandates NGOs to disclose comprehensive details about their operations. Non-compliance could result in dissolution or criminal charges, stifling civil liberty even further.
International condemnation has mounted, with the UN and the International Criminal Court investigating widespread human rights violations since 2020, including unlawful detentions and torture linked to political persecution. Urgent action is necessary before the deadline of August 26, 2025, as the situation remains critical and fluid.
Four Venezuelan human rights defenders are imprisoned for advocating justice. They include Javier Tarazona, Rocío San Miguel, Carlos Julio Rojas, and Kennedy Tejeda, who face severe human rights abuses. Urgent action is needed to call for their unconditional release and safeguard their rights. The overarching crackdown on civil society is deepening, with new restrictive laws further complicating their plight. International investigations into human rights violations are ongoing.
The plight of the four human rights defenders in Venezuela embodies the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in the face of authoritarian repression. With calls for their immediate and unconditional release, the global community must remain vigilant and active in upholding human rights. The grave violations, increasing governmental crackdowns, and oppressive laws illustrate a pressing crisis that demands sustained international attention and action.
Original Source: amnesty.ca
