Venezuela, concern for the missing Italians. The US offers Maduro a pardon if he leaves power
The Italian government is concerned about the disappearance of several Italian-Venezuelans in Venezuela after protests against the re-election of Nicolás Maduro. Among those arrested are Williams Dávila and Américo de Grazia, well-known opposition figures, and Rita Capriti, of Sicilian origin.
Venezuela, concern for the missing Italians. The US offers Maduro a pardon if he leaves power.
The Italian government is worried about the disappearance of several Italian-Venezuelans in Venezuela after protests against the re-election of Nicolás Maduro. Among those arrested are Williams Dávila and Américo de Grazia, well-known opposition figures, and Rita Capriti, of Sicilian origin. Rita, arrested on August 2, is accused of inciting hatred and terrorism due to her political commitment, but appears to be in good condition despite her detention.
The Farnesina is actively working for the release of these people, but the situation remains complex.
Another worrying case is that of Antonio Calvino, a government opponent of Syracusan origins, who has been missing since August 9. Calvino had already been arrested in the past for inciting hatred and only released last year under pressure from the Italian government.
The political situation in Venezuela is extremely tense.
The country's Supreme Court is examining documents related to the presidential election, but many believe the institution is controlled by Maduro's government. The opposition, led by Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, continues to contest Maduro's re-election, calling for an end to violence and persecution against dissidents. González Urrutia claims victory in the elections with 70% of the vote, according to an independent count, and called for the immediate release of his detained compatriots.
The US offers Maduro a pardon if he leaves power
In the meantime, the United States is trying to secretly negotiate with Maduro, offering him a pardon in exchange for his giving up power. The Biden administration is pushing to convince Maduro to leave office before the end of his term. In 2020, the US Justice Department offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest, but so far to no avail.
In this climate of uncertainty and tension, the future of the detained Italian-Venezuelan citizens and of Venezuela itself remains in the balance, with the international community carefully observing the developments of the situation.
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