The networks of civil society organisations AOI, CINI and Link2007 express great concern for the situation of Alberto Trentini, an Italian cooperator detained by the Venezuelan authorities on 15 November last while on a mission with the NGO Humanity and Inclusion to bring humanitarian aid to people with disabilities. For almost two months there has been no official news about his fate.

As reported by Alberto’s family, ‘since his arrest, i.e. from 15 November until today, as far as we know, no one has been able to see or speak to him. Not even our Ambassador has been able to communicate with him or hear from him despite several attempts.’ The Trentini family has clearly expressed their distress, asking to be able to communicate with Alberto, to be reassured about his state of health and to ensure that his fundamental rights are protected. Unfortunately, to date, none of their requests have been granted.

‘This lack of information only adds to our concerns,’ the organisations say, also pointing out that Alberto suffers from health problems and does not have the necessary medicines and basic necessities with him.

AOI, CINI and Link2007 join the Trentini family in calling on the Italian government to intensify diplomatic efforts to bring Alberto back to Italy and ensure his safety. The organisations reiterate that it is ‘unacceptable that Italian citizens, committed to working abroad to improve people’s living conditions, find themselves deprived of their fundamental rights without being able to receive any effective protection from our country.’

We trust that the Italian institutions, in particular the Prime Minister and the competent ministers, will act with the utmost urgency and determination to put an end to this situation, activating a direct dialogue with their Venezuelan counterparts to ensure the rapid release of Alberto Trentini.