Not only Trentini, here are the other Italian-Venezuelans still in prison in Caracas

The announcement of the first releases in Venezuela of political prisoners has raised hopes for the fate of the Italians behind bars in Caracas. Detained for often specious reasons, related to politics, professional activity or the expression of opinions out loud, considered inconvenient for Maduro's government. Twelve arrested after the presidential elections on 28 July 2024. The releases of political detainees announced by the Rodriguez government are proceeding with a dropper.

After the release of Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlò, 42 Italian-Venezuelan prisoners still remain in Venezuelan jails. Those who only had an Italian passport have been freed. Clarifying the number of compatriots still in custody in the Latin American country's prisons was Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

In the majority of cases, i.e. 24, the minister explained, they are political prisoners. Italy, Tajani stressed, is 'working to ensure that as many of them as possible can be released'. So there is hope for these other 24 Italians with dual nationality, who are often locked up for political reasons or for expressing opinions opposed to the Chavista government. At least seven, Avvenire recalled a few days ago, are in the notorious Rodeo I prison, the same where Alberto Trentini was detained.

Behind bars again is Daniel Enrique Echenagucia Vallenilla, a 47-year-old businessman from Avellino, father of two, who was illegally arrested with his family on 2 August 2024. After his family's release, there was no news of him for weeks. He is reported to be held in total isolation in El Rodeo I, the prison in Guatire, 30 kilometres from Caracas. According to his family members, he is held in extreme conditions of solitary confinement, suffers from asthma, has lost 18 kilos and is in a state of deep prostration.

They are still in the notorious El Helicoide facility in Caracas, infamous for its use of solitary confinement and harsh interrogations, other Italian-Venezuelans such as Gerardo Coticchia Guerra (arrested well over five years ago), 55-year-old engineer Juan Carlos Marruffo Capozzi and 63-year-old criminal lawyer Perkins Rocha, married to Italian Maria Constanza Cipriani. Rocha is also a trusted legal advisor to opposition leader María Corina Machado. Also expected to be locked up in the same facility is Hugo Enrique Marino Salas, who has been missing since 20 April 2019.