Alberto Trentini, humanitarian worker arrested in Venezuela: civil society expresses concern over his fundamental rights

On 15 November 2024, Alberto Trentini, an Italian citizen and humanitarian worker in Venezuela, was arrested by the Venezuelan authorities while carrying out his job for an international NGO. Since that day, Trentini has been in total isolation, without contact with his family, lawyers or consular representatives. Almost three months after his detention, his conditions and physical and mental health remain unknown.

The reasons for the arrest have never been clarified, what is certain is that Trentini was immediately handed over to the authorities of the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (Dgcim), with Caracas as his final destination.

Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Italy is actively involved in following up the case, however no significant progress has been made so far, Alberto's situation remains unchanged.

For this reason, civil society has mobilised over the past three months through various solidarity initiatives such as flashmobs, relay fasts and the display of banners to raise public awareness and put pressure on the authorities. In addition, a petition was launched to urge the Italian and European institutions and the United Nations to take urgent action to:

• Secure his immediate release and ensure his fundamental rights are respected;
• Guarantee regular consular, legal, and medical assistance;
• Allow regular contact with his family and representatives until his release.

Trentini was in Venezuela to carry out his work as a humanitarian aid worker on the field, a mission in which he has been engaged with professionalism and dedication for over 20 years.

The protection of humanitarian workers anywhere in the world is a fundamental principle. It is a civic duty to keep attention high and to join the call for his immediate release.