Venezuela frees two Italians amid mass prisoner release

Rome-Two Italian nationals have been freed by Venezuelan authorities as part of a large-scale release of detainees, while uncertainty remains over the fate of other Italians still held in the country.

Journalist and political activist Biagio Pilieri, 60, and businessman Luigi Gasperin were among around 250 prisoners released so far, according to officials in Caracas. The move is part of a broader plan that could see up to 400 detainees freed in the coming hours or days.

Pilieri had been held for more than 480 days at the Helicoide detention centre in Caracas. His family say he suffers from several chronic health conditions, including fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome, and lost a significant amount of weight during his imprisonment.

Speaking after his release, Pilieri’s sons, Vicente and Jesús, said the family’s relief was tempered by concern for other Italians still in custody. “Our father is finally home,” they said. “But our joy will only be complete when Alberto Trentini and the other Italian nationals are also released.”

Alberto Trentini, a humanitarian aid worker, remains detained at El Rodeo I prison without formal charges, while Mario Burlò, an Italian entrepreneur, is also still being held. Lawyers representing Burlò said there were “positive indications” but no official confirmation of his release.

Gasperin was arrested during a raid at the offices of his company, Técnica Petrolera WLP, in the eastern city of Maturín. Investigative journalists have reported that his detention was linked to allegations of improper storage of explosives used in the oil industry — claims that were never publicly substantiated by the Venezuelan authorities. He was reportedly held in a detention facility rather than a conventional prison and was not officially classified as a political prisoner.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome was following developments closely. She welcomed what she described as Venezuela’s initial steps towards freeing political detainees, including Italian citizens, and expressed hope for improved relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the Italian government was working to secure the release of all remaining nationals and to ensure appropriate medical care where needed.

The prisoner releases were announced by Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, who described them as a gesture aimed at national reconciliation. The Venezuelan government has said the decision was taken independently, rejecting suggestions of foreign influence.

Human rights groups say dozens of detainees still require urgent medical attention and have called for the full list of those released to be made public.

PS