Venezuelan activist Javier Tarazona released after amnesty bill announced

Javier Tarazona was released from prison after Venezuela's government announced an amnesty bill to free political prisoners; rights groups say about 310 people have been freed so far while roughly 700 remain detained.

Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona was released from prison after the government announced an amnesty bill to free political prisoners. Tarazona is the director of the nonprofit FundaRedes and was arrested in July 2021 after reporting harassment by national intelligence officials. Rights organizations and family members reported his release, which came as U.S. diplomatic representation was being restored in Caracas. Known details: - Javier Tarazona was detained in July 2021 and has been reported as released by rights groups and his family. - Venezuela's Foro Penal reported that 310 people jailed for political reasons had been released and about 700 remained detained. - Tarazona's release followed the government's announcement of an amnesty bill and the arrival in Caracas of U.S. Charge d'Affaires Laura Dogu, who will reopen the U.S. mission. - Venezuelan authorities had accused Tarazona of terrorism; Amnesty International reported his health had deteriorated while in detention. Summary: The release fits within a government pledge to free political prisoners but does not resolve the broader situation, as several hundred detainees remain. The timetable and details for further releases under the amnesty are undetermined at this time.