Jesús Armas
We Demand His Immediate Release
A prominent Venezuelan human rights defender and social activist was forcibly detained. Join the global movement demanding his immediate release and the protection of human rights!
How long has Jesús been missing?
Chronology of
Illegal Detention
10 December 2024
Jesús Armas was abducted on December 10, 2024, at 9:19 PM Caracas time. Six masked agents forcibly took him in an unmarked silver Toyota Fortuner SUV. 4. As his location was not confirmed, this was an enforced disappearance
17 December 2024
Authorities confirmed Jesús's location at Boleita Zona 7, a National Police facility (Policía Nacional Bolivariana).
19 December 2024
Jesús was transferred, at night and without any previous notice to El Helicoide. His life is at grave risk as El Helicoide is notorious for its use of torture. Testimonies indicate that Jesús Armas has been subjected to suffocation with a bag in a “shadow house” prior to his transfer to Policia National Bolivariana in an attempt to force him to testify against his political allies.
News & Statement
Global news and statements from various sources highlighting the detention and human rights concerns surrounding Jesús Armas
Statement on the Abduction of Summer Fellows Alum Jesús Armas (2022, Venezuela)
We are concerned and outraged to learn of the state-sponsored abduction of 2022 Fisher Family Summer Fellow Jesús Armas by agents of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. We urge the regime to release him from detention immediately.
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Former IEA Intern Abducted by Venezuelan Government
Jesús Armas, a former intern of the Institute of Economic Affairs, was arbitrarily detained in Venezuela.
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Bristol graduate ‘abducted’ by Venezuelan political police
Pro-democracy activist who opposed Nicolás Maduro is feared to be detained in a torture centre in Caracas
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Oposición venezolana denuncia la detención del activista
El opositor Comando Nacional de campaña confirma la detención arbitraria de Jesús Armas.
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The Venezuelan regime kidnapped activist Jesús Armas
On Tuesday, the Venezuelan regime kidnapped activist Jesús Armas, who remains disappeared and is feared to have been sent to a torture center in Caracas, as Nicolas Maduro continues his brutal crackdown on critics and opposition members.
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Obama Foundation Scholar Jesús Armas Detained: Calls for His Safety and Rights
Jesús Armas, a 2022-2023 Obama Foundation Scholar and advocate for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, was detained on December 10. The Obama Foundation and its alumni are mobilizing to support his release and ensure his rights and safety.
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Venezuelan Human Rights Advocate Jesús Armas Detained: Immediate Release Urged
On December 10, 2024, Jesús Armas, a Columbia Obama Foundation Scholar and prominent Venezuelan human rights defender, was arbitrarily detained in Caracas. Known for his dedication to justice and democracy, his detention has sparked widespread calls for his immediate release and respect for his rights.
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International House Calls for Immediate Release of Alumnus Jesús Armas
International House expresses deep concern over the kidnapping of alumnus Jesús Armas ’23, a courageous advocate for political and human rights in Venezuela. Abducted on December 10 in Caracas, Jesús exemplified I-House's core values of empathy and moral courage. We stand with global organizations in urging his immediate release and safe return.
Read NewsPEN America Concerned About the Enforced Disappearance of Jesus Armas
PEN America strongly condemns the enforced disappearance of Jesus Armas, a Venezuelan pro-democracy activist and online commentator, who was abducted by six masked agents in an unmarked SUV last night at 9:19 PM in Caracas.
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Se acerca la Navidad, pero Jesús no aparece
Me refiero a Jesús Armas. Uno de los 2.000 presos políticos que ha secuestrado el régimen de Nicolás Maduro desde las pasadas elecciones. Hace una semana, a la salida de un café en Caracas, seis hombres encapuchados se llevaron a Jesús en una camioneta Toyota sin placas. Este hecho es parte de una campaña intencional de Maduro para silenciar voces opositoras ahora que se acerca el 10 de enero, día en el que se posesionará como presidente, aunque todo el planeta sepa que él no ganó las elecciones.
Read NewsBiography of
Jesús Armas
Jesús Armas is a distinguished Venezuelan activist, human rights defender, and public servant, recognized for his tireless efforts to promote democracy, transparency, and equitable access to essential services in Venezuela.
A Chevening Fellow, Jesús earned a master's degree in public policy from the University of Bristol (2019-2020) and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (2012-2018). He served on the Caracas City Council (2013-2018) and interned at the Institute of Economic Affairs in the UK.
After serving on the city council, Jesús founded Ciudadanía Sin Límites (Citizenship Without Limits), a nonprofit focused on providing clean water, energy, and essential services to underserved Venezuelan communities. Jesús embodies a new generation of leaders advocating for accountability, transparency, and citizen empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on Venezuela and beyond.
Jesús Work & Impact
SOCIAL WORK
Through Ciudadanía Sin Límites (Citizenship Without Limits), Jesús and his team have used technology to map service failures, empowering communities to demand accountability. Since 2018, he has built a network of 400 citizens advocating for water and sanitation, helping thousands gain access to drinking water and energy. The organization directly supports 1,200 children and families in five low-income communities, providing food preparation opportunities and nutritionist guidance.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
Jesus has spent significant time participating in democracy focused leadership development programs internationally. He was selected as a fellow for the Obama Scholars Program at Columbia University (2022-2023), as a McCain Global Leader by the McCain Institute (2023), and as a Draper Hill Summer fellow at Stanford's Center for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (2022). This reflects both his dedication to democratic values and social justice, and his recognition as a global leader committed to advancing freedom and democracy.
LEGACY AND VISION
Jesús has become a symbol of resilience and integrity, demonstrating how grassroots activism can create pathways for systemic change. Despite facing significant personal risks, including his recent detention, Jesús has chosen to stay in his home country of Venezuela, remaining steadfast in his mission to build a more just and democratic society
Take Action: Bring Jesús Armas Home
Jesús Armas has inspired countless individuals through his unwavering dedication to democracy, human rights, and social justice in Venezuela. His courageous fight for human rights has made him a target in a country known for severe restrictions on basic liberties, as highlighted by a 2020 UN report documenting extensive abuses.
His work has brought hope to communities and driven meaningful change. Now, he needs our collective voice and action to secure his freedom.
