The Forum 2000 Foundation expresses its profound relief and joy following the release of Rocío San Miguel, the Venezuelan lawyer and human rights activist who was honored in 2024 with the 4th Forum 2000 International Award for Courage and Responsibility.
Rocío San Miguel, President of the NGO Control Ciudadano, was arbitrarily detained in February 2024. Her release—along with the release of many of her fellow citizens—is a long-awaited victory for justice and a testament to the tireless pressure of the international democratic community.
“While we celebrate the freedom of our laureate Rocío San Miguel, our hearts are equally lifted by the news that many other brave Venezuelans are finally returning to their families,” said Jakub Klepal, Executive Director of the Forum 2000 Foundation. “No one should be imprisoned for their ideas or for their defense of democracy. This collective release is a glimmer of hope in the struggle for a Venezuela where human rights are respected and the will of the people is honored.”
The Forum 2000 Foundation, pursuing the legacy of Václav Havel, understands that freedom is indivisible. While this is a day of celebration, we remain mindful of those who still remain behind bars and of the ongoing challenges facing Venezuelan civil society. We call for the full restoration of democratic norms and the permanent cessation of political persecution.
We look forward to the moment when Rocío San Miguel and other leaders of Venezuelan civil society can join us in Prague to continue our shared dialogue on the future of freedom during our annual Forum 2000 Conference.
