A Venezuelan Activist and Advocate for Democracy
Jesús Armas, a Venezuelan activist and dedicated advocate for democracy, has become a symbol of resilience and courage in the face of authoritarian repression. His work to promote human rights, transparency, and civic engagement in Venezuela has earned him international recognition, but it has also made him a target of the Maduro regime. Jesús’s illegal detention in 2024 stresses the ongoing human rights violations in Venezuela. It highlights the urgent need for global action to secure his freedom and support the Venezuelan people’s struggle for democracy.
A proud alumnus of the McCain Institute’s McCain Global Leaders program, Jesús has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to democratic principles and civic empowerment. His leadership in Venezuela has focused on fostering transparency, combating corruption, and empowering marginalized communities. As part of the McCain Institute’s network, Jesús has worked alongside other global leaders to advance democratic values and human rights worldwide. Jesús’s dedication to public service and democratic reform has also been recognized by the Obama Foundation, where he was selected as a Columbia University Scholar for the 2022-2023 cohort. Through this program, Jesús honed his skills in leadership and advocacy, further solidifying his role as a champion for justice and equality.
In 2024, Venezuelan authorities illegally detained Jesús, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by activists in authoritarian regimes. His detention was part of a broader pattern of human rights violations aimed at silencing dissent and stifling democratic movements in Venezuela. The Stanford Center on Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law (CDDRL) condemned his abduction, calling for his immediate release, showing how impactful Jesus’ work was globally.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States also granted Jesús emergency protective and precautionary measures in a seven-page resolution on Dec. 31, 2024, exhorting the Venezuelan State to protect his life and personal integrity, requesting that visits from his lawyers, family members, and representatives be allowed, asking for an urgent medical examination and appropriate medical care, and demanding that the Venezuelan state officially report "as the reasons why he has not been released to date or taken before an independent court." There have also been reports that Jesús has been tortured by asphyxiation with a black bag over his head to give up his friends.
Jesús’s case is emblematic of the broader struggle for freedom and justice in Venezuela. His detention has drawn international attention to the Maduro regime’s systematic repression of political opponents, journalists, and civil society leaders. Despite the risks, Jesús has remained steadfast in his commitment to democratic values, inspiring others to continue the fight for a free and just Venezuela.
The McCain Institute, a leading advocate for democracy and human rights, urges the international community to take immediate action to secure Jesús Armas’s release. His freedom is not only a matter of justice but a critical step toward restoring democracy and human rights in Venezuela. Jesús’s courage and leadership remind us of the importance of standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves and of the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. The time to act is now. Jesús Armas must be freed, and his voice must be restored to the global stage. Let us honor his sacrifice by standing firmly with the Venezuelan people in their quest for democracy and by reaffirming our shared commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and human dignity.
*This profile was drafted and prepared by Junior Fellow Emma Krdzalic from publicly available sources and reviewed by Assistant Director Pedro Pizano.
