On August 8, 2025, human rights defender Martha Lía Grajales was taken in Caracas by individuals believed to be police officers. She is being held arbitrarily, and her fate and location remained unknown until August 11.
Several other human rights defenders are also being held arbitrarily, including Javier Tarazona, Rocío San Miguel, Kennedy Tejeda, and Eduardo Torres. Journalist Carlos Julio Rojas has been kept in incommunicado detention since July 30.
We urge President Nicolás Maduro to immediately reveal the fate and location of all detainees, release everyone held arbitrarily, and uphold their rights to life, safety, and a fair trial.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Venezuelan President urging him to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Martha Lía Grajales, Eduardo Torres, Javier Tarazona, Rocío San Miguel, Carlos Julio Rojas, Kennedy Tejeda, and all other individuals arbitrarily detained in Venezuela.
- Immediately disclose the fate and whereabouts of all persons who have been forcibly disappeared.
- Protect the rights of all detainees to life, physical integrity, and a fair trial.
Write to:
President of the Republic Nicolas Maduro
Palacio de Miraflores,
Av. Nte. 10, Caracas 1012,
Caracas, Venezuela
Salutation: Dear President Maduro,
And copy:
Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
32 Range Road
Ottawa, ON K1N 8J4
Tel: (613) 235-5151/ (613) 447-4576 (24h) Fax: (613) 235-3205
Email: consular@misionvenezuela.org
Crackdown on dissent in Venezuela
Since the July 28, 2024, election, Nicolás Maduro’s government has intensified its crackdown on dissent. More than 2,000 people have been arbitrarily detained, including children, people with disabilities, and activists. As of August 5, 2025, at least 807 remain in detention, with 44 still disappeared.
Amnesty International has documented the widespread use of enforced disappearances, with many victims held in secret before facing arbitrary detention. Some have been missing for months, while others remain imprisoned despite their whereabouts being known.
Civil society under threat
Authorities are using harsh laws to silence activists and restrict civil society organisations. The “anti-NGO law,” in force since February 2025, gives the government broad powers to shut down groups and prosecute their members. By May 2025, 7.9 million Venezuelans had fled the country in search of safety.
International bodies, including the UN and the International Criminal Court, have found evidence of crimes against humanity in Venezuela, including torture, sexual violence, and politically motivated persecution.
Please take action as soon as possible until January 31, 2026. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
