Alberto Trentini: Italian Cooperant Held in Venezuela for 140 Days Amidst Family Appeals and Public Actions
The plight of Alberto Trentini, a humanitarian worker detained in Caracas, has spurred public support and diplomatic efforts for his release, with nearly 100,000 signatures collected for his cause.
Alberto Trentini, an Italian humanitarian worker, has been imprisoned in Caracas, Venezuela, for 140 days.
His mother, Armanda Colusso Trentini, has made multiple appeals to the Italian government, specifically reaching out to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for intervention on her son's behalf.
As the situation progresses, the urgency for a public acknowledgment of Trentini's plight grows.
Trentini, who has dedicated much of his life to humanitarian causes, was working as a mission head for the French NGO, Humanity and Inclusion, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, when he was taken on November 15, 2023. His last communication to his parents was a message sent from Caracas Airport, indicating his typical practice of regularly updating them on his location.
Since then, he has not been heard from, and there have been no visits from Italian consular representatives.
Initially, it was believed that maintaining silence might aid in Trentini’s release due to the absence of formal charges against him.
However, this strategy has not yielded results, leading to heightened frustration within his family.
In January 2024, Colusso decided to break this silence and began publicly advocating for her son’s release, supported by Alessandra Ballerini, an attorney known for representing families of individuals wrongfully detained.
Colusso has appeared on various media platforms to share stories about her son, emphasizing his character and commitment to helping others.
Despite these efforts, the Italian government has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, with over 60 foreign nationals reportedly detained in Venezuela since President Nicolás Maduro's re-election in July 2023, as part of a broader trend of arrests anticipated to facilitate diplomatic negotiations.
Trentini stands out among those detained as he is the only Italian citizen reportedly captured without a criminal record.
This status makes him a potentially valuable bargaining chip in diplomatic discussions.
Alfredo Mantovano, Italy’s Undersecretary of State, has described the circumstances surrounding Trentini's detention as "complex" and has indicated that finding a resolution may be challenging.
In response to his detention, a significant public outcry has arisen.
Over 2,000 individuals have participated in a relay hunger strike for Trentini, and nearly 100,000 signatures have been gathered on petitions demanding his release and ensuring legal assistance, particularly as he suffers from hypertension.
A dedicated Facebook page has also been established, providing updates and encouraging public engagement through initiatives like a " Wall of Hope," showcasing supporters’ messages in favor of Trentini's liberation.
Colusso, in her communications, stresses the emotional impact of her son's absence, expressing her hopes for a direct meeting with Prime Minister Meloni to convey the depth of her request.
She has drawn attention to the public's shared sentiment about parental empathy, questioning how those in government would react if they faced similar circumstances.
In the larger context, Trentini’s case reflects ongoing tensions in Venezuela, where foreign nationals have been increasingly targeted amid a volatile political climate.
These developments may have significant implications for Italy's diplomatic relations and its approach to protecting citizens abroad.
His mother, Armanda Colusso Trentini, has made multiple appeals to the Italian government, specifically reaching out to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for intervention on her son's behalf.
As the situation progresses, the urgency for a public acknowledgment of Trentini's plight grows.
Trentini, who has dedicated much of his life to humanitarian causes, was working as a mission head for the French NGO, Humanity and Inclusion, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, when he was taken on November 15, 2023. His last communication to his parents was a message sent from Caracas Airport, indicating his typical practice of regularly updating them on his location.
Since then, he has not been heard from, and there have been no visits from Italian consular representatives.
Initially, it was believed that maintaining silence might aid in Trentini’s release due to the absence of formal charges against him.
However, this strategy has not yielded results, leading to heightened frustration within his family.
In January 2024, Colusso decided to break this silence and began publicly advocating for her son’s release, supported by Alessandra Ballerini, an attorney known for representing families of individuals wrongfully detained.
Colusso has appeared on various media platforms to share stories about her son, emphasizing his character and commitment to helping others.
Despite these efforts, the Italian government has acknowledged the complexity of the situation, with over 60 foreign nationals reportedly detained in Venezuela since President Nicolás Maduro's re-election in July 2023, as part of a broader trend of arrests anticipated to facilitate diplomatic negotiations.
Trentini stands out among those detained as he is the only Italian citizen reportedly captured without a criminal record.
This status makes him a potentially valuable bargaining chip in diplomatic discussions.
Alfredo Mantovano, Italy’s Undersecretary of State, has described the circumstances surrounding Trentini's detention as "complex" and has indicated that finding a resolution may be challenging.
In response to his detention, a significant public outcry has arisen.
Over 2,000 individuals have participated in a relay hunger strike for Trentini, and nearly 100,000 signatures have been gathered on petitions demanding his release and ensuring legal assistance, particularly as he suffers from hypertension.
A dedicated Facebook page has also been established, providing updates and encouraging public engagement through initiatives like a " Wall of Hope," showcasing supporters’ messages in favor of Trentini's liberation.
Colusso, in her communications, stresses the emotional impact of her son's absence, expressing her hopes for a direct meeting with Prime Minister Meloni to convey the depth of her request.
She has drawn attention to the public's shared sentiment about parental empathy, questioning how those in government would react if they faced similar circumstances.
In the larger context, Trentini’s case reflects ongoing tensions in Venezuela, where foreign nationals have been increasingly targeted amid a volatile political climate.
These developments may have significant implications for Italy's diplomatic relations and its approach to protecting citizens abroad.
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