VENEZUELA: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS MUST BE RELEASED

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]