Venezuela's Detained Foreigners Face Unrelenting Uncertainty Amid US Pressure

As U.S. Pressure Mounts, Venezuela's Foreign 'Hostages' Face Growing Uncertainty BOGOTÁ, Colombia - Manuel Alejandro Tique, a 32-year-old humanitarian worker, has been detained in a maximum security prison in Venezuela for over two years without trial. His sister Diana Tique says the emotional toll on their family has been immense, and they are constantly worried about his well-being. The detention of Tique and other foreign nationals in Venezuela has sparked international concern as U.S. pressure mounts on the Venezuelan government to release them. According to human rights groups, at least 10 foreigners are being held in Venezuelan prisons without charges or access to consular services. "We are extremely concerned about the situation," said Maria Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the Colombian Foreign Ministry. "The detention of foreign nationals without due process is a clear violation of international law and we urge the Venezuelan government to respect their rights." Tique's family says he was detained in 2020 while working on humanitarian projects in Venezuela. His sister Diana Tique describes the experience as "traumatic" for their family, who have been unable to communicate with him directly. "It's like living in a nightmare," she said. "We don't know what's happening to him or when we'll see him again." The detention of foreign nationals in Venezuela has become a contentious issue between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on several high-ranking officials, including President Nicolás Maduro, over human rights abuses. Background: Venezuela has been embroiled in a deepening economic crisis since 2013, leading to widespread poverty and migration. The country's government has come under international scrutiny for its handling of the crisis, including allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. Additional perspectives: "The situation is dire," said Dr. Juan Carlos Hidalgo, a Venezuelan expert on human rights. "The Venezuelan government is using these foreign nationals as bargaining chips to pressure other countries into lifting sanctions." "We urge the international community to take action to protect the rights of these individuals," said Maria Rodriguez. Current status: The situation remains uncertain for Tique and other foreign nationals detained in Venezuela. Their families continue to advocate for their release, while human rights groups push for greater international pressure on the Venezuelan government. Next developments: The U.S. Department of State has announced plans to increase diplomatic efforts to secure the release of detained foreigners. The Colombian Foreign Ministry is working with international partners to establish a framework for protecting the rights of foreign nationals in Venezuela. This article was written by Manuel Rueda, a journalist based in Bogotá, Colombia. *Reporting by Npr.*