On the 300th day of his imprisonment in Caracas, the Venezuelan government has spoken publicly for the first time about Alberto Trentini, the Italian aid worker arrested in November 2024 during a humanitarian mission.
Trentini, who arrived in Venezuela in October to work with the NGOs Humanity and Inclusion, was detained at a checkpoint while travelling from Caracas to Guasdalito. Since then, he has been held at El Rodeo I prison in Guatire, on the outskirts of the capital. Contact with his family has been minimal — a brief call with his mother in May is the only direct communication permitted. Foreign Minister Iván Gil told CNN Venezuela that Trentini’s human rights are being respected. “He has a lawyer, he is under trial, and the legal process will take its course,” Gil said, insisting that Venezuelan courts handle similar cases involving foreigners, often related to drug trafficking.
In Italy, concern has mounted. Venice has dedicated regattas and hunger strikes to his cause, and the Venice Film Festival has joined calls for his release. Politicians are also pressing for action: Democratic Party foreign affairs spokesperson Peppe Provenzano has urged the government to send a parliamentary delegation, while human rights committee chair Laura Boldrini has echoed the appeal.
This weekend, the Festival della Politica in Mestre will host a special event in Trentini’s name, demanding “with clarity and determination” his liberation.
