Extradition of Saab Causes Uncertainty for Hostages and Families

It has been a harrowing week for families of Americans unlawfully detained in Venezuela. All have watched and worried as Alex Saab’s extradition from the African nation of Cape Verde to the U.S. was carried out.

           It would be a fair question to ask why the extradition of a Venezuelan diplomat accused of money laundering would cause such distress to these hostage families. The two are seemingly unrelated. However, all nine Americans held in Venezuela are being held as political pawns in the ongoing international hostility between Venezuela and the United States.

           The extradition of Alex Saab is seen as a major blow the Maduro regime. It came after month of political and legal sparring between the two nations. In the past, Maduro has dealt with such blows from the U.S. by punishing Americans held in his custody. In past instances, this punishment has come in the form of moving the Citgo 6 from their house arrest back to notorious El Helicoide prison, where Luke Denman and Airan Berry are currently held.

           We have no confirmed information regarding the next steps for the Citgo 6. The expectation is that they will be put back into El Helicoide. We do not know if any of Maduro’s anger with the United States will be taken out on the other Americans, Mathew Heath, Airan Berry, and Luke Denman.

           American Rescue Coalition’s partners in Venezuela have given us information that, so far, Heath, Berry, and Denman have not been moved or their status otherwise changed. However, we are expecting to have more information later in the week when our partners make regular food deliveries to Airan and Luke.

            To read more information about all 9 Americans currently held in Venezuela follow the links below.