VENEZUELA: ONE DEFENDER RELEASED, FIVE STILL DETAINED

Dear Acting President,

We welcome Martha Lía Grajales’ release from her arbitrary detention on August 12, and we demand that the charges against her be immediately dropped. We also reiterate our condemnation of the attacks against mothers, activists, and human rights defenders who peacefully demand the protection and release of their detained loved ones.

We remain concerned over the safety and personal integrity of other human rights defenders who continue to be arbitrarily detained for their activism, including Javier Tarazona, detained since July 2, 2021; Rocío San Miguel, detained on February 9, 2024; Carlos Julio Rojas, detained since April 15, 2024; Kennedy Tejeda, detained on August 2, 2024; and Eduardo Torres, detained on May 9, 2025.

We condemn the incommunicado detention of Carlos Julio Rojas. Since July 30 and without explanation, his family has not been allowed any contact with him. We also note that Eduardo Torres is similarly not allowed direct contact with his loved ones, and that Rocío San Miguel still awaits being granted surgery and rehabilitation by her trusted doctors.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of Eduardo Torres, Javier Tarazona, Rocío San Miguel, Carlos Julio Rojas, and Kennedy Tejeda, and that of all 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]