Venezuelan activist Javier Tarazona released from prison as US diplomat assumes post

Venezuelan human rights activist Javier Tarazona has been released from prison after the government promised to free political prisoners in an amnesty bill. Rights organizations and family members shared the news on Sunday. Tarazona, director of the nonprofit FundaRedes, was arrested in July 2021 after reporting harassment by national intelligence officials. Venezuela’s Foro Penal says 310 political prisoners have been released, with 700 still awaiting freedom. Tarazona's release coincided with the arrival of U.S. Charge d’Affaires Laura Dogu in Caracas. The government had accused Tarazona of terrorism, a common charge against opposition members.