In January 2026, human rights defenders Rocío San Miguel and Carlos Julio Rojas were released after being arbitrarily detained since February and April 2024, respectively. The charges against both have reportedly not been dropped, and three other human rights defenders remain arbitrarily detained: Javier Tarazona, Kennedy Tejeda, and Eduardo Torres. Along with them, over 700 other individuals remain arbitrarily detained for political reasons, as of January 19. We call on Delcy Rodriguez to immediately and unconditionally release all arbitrarily detained individuals and protect their rights to life, physical integrity, and fair trial, specifically ensuring trusted medical care and family visits.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: June 30, 2026
Ms. Delcy Rodríguez,
I am writing in response to the long-awaited-for release of human rights defenders Rocío San Miguel and Carlos Julio Rojas since their respective arbitrary detentions in 2024. I continue calling for all charges against them to be dropped.
I remain concerned for the other human rights defenders who continue to be arbitrarily detained for their activism, including Javier Tarazona, detained since July 2, 2021; Kennedy Tejeda, detained on August 2, 2024; and Eduardo Torres, detained on May 9, 2025.
As of January 19, 2026, approximately 800 other politically motivated arbitrary detainees, including nationals from Colombia, Spain, and Italy, amongst other nationalities, are currently being unfairly held in Venezuelan detention centers and subjected to unfair trials, all the while suffering other human rights violations and international crimes, such as enforced disappearances and torture.
We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Eduardo Torres, Javier Tarazona, and Kennedy Tejeda, and that of all politically motivated arbitrary detainees in Venezuela. We also demand that the fate and whereabouts of all forcibly disappeared persons are immediately disclosed and that, whilst in your custody, detainees receive adequate medical care, are allowed family visits, and see their fair trial guarantees protected.
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
Other Urgent Actions for this Case
- Seventh UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
- Sixth UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
- Fifth UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
- Fourth UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
- Third UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
- First UA Issued: [Venezuela 1.25]
Additional Resources and Ways to Act
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HONDURAS: END CRIMINALIZATION OF GARIFUNA LAND DEFENDERS
UA : 89.26ETHIOPIA: ARTIST’S DISAPPERANCE MUST BE INVESTIGATED
UA : 85.26TUNISIA: FINAL APPEAL SCHEDULED IN “CONSPIRACY CASE”
UA : Seventh 52.23Urgent Action
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