VENEZUELA: ANOTHER DEFENDER DETAINED, OTHERS ISOLATED

Mr. Nicolás Maduro,

We are appalled by the arbitrary detention of human rights defender, Martha Lía Grajales, and the fact that her fate and whereabouts were concealed from August 8-11, 2025, amounting to a short-term enforced disappearance. The charges filed against her – incitement of hatred, conspiracy with a foreign government, and criminal association – lack evidence and credibility.

Martha Grajales’ arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance occurred in the midst of an inexcusable crackdown on the right to peaceful protest exercised by mothers of detained individuals and activists who support them.

We remain concerned over the fate and rights of other human rights defenders also arbitrarily detained for their activism, including Javier Tarazona, detained since July 2, 2021; Rocío San Miguel, detained on February 9, 2024 and who requires urgent surgery and rehabilitation; Carlos Julio Rojas, detained since April 15, 2024; Kennedy Tejeda, detained on August 2, 2024; and Eduardo Torres, detained on May 9, 2025.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Martha Lía Grajales, Eduardo Torres, Javier Tarazona, Rocío San Miguel, Carlos Julio Rojas, Kennedy Tejeda, and all arbitrary detainees in Venezuela. We also demand that the fate and whereabouts of all forcibly disappeared persons are immediately disclosed, as well as protecting their rights to life, physical integrity, and to a fair trial.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]