Headlines
Venezuela frees two more Italians, says Italian Prime Minister
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 12, 2026
Italy Celebrates Release of Two Citizens from Venezuelan Prison
Overview of the Release
ROME, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Venezuela has released Italian citizens Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlo from prison, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Monday, adding that a plane was on its way from Rome to take them home.
Background on Arrests
Trentini, a charity worker from Venice, was the most well-known among the more than 20 Italian nationals held in Venezuelan prisons.
Reactions from Italian Officials
Venezuela's leadership said on January 8 it was going to release a significant number of prisoners, including foreign nationals, as a gesture of goodwill.
International Context and Implications
The move, heeding demands from human rights groups, international bodies and opposition figures, came after the U.S. attacked Venezuela and captured its president, Nicolas Maduro.
"I welcome with joy and satisfaction the release of our compatriots Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlo, who are now safely at the Italian Embassy in Caracas," Meloni said in a statement.
Trentini was arrested in November 2024 with his Venezuelan driver Rafael Machado. He was working for Humanity & Inclusion, an NGO that assists disabled people.
Burlo, a businessman from Turin, was also arrested in November 2024 and held in Trenitini's same prison, the El Rodeo I facility in Caracas.
Two other Italian nationals, journalist Biagio Pilieri and businessman Luigi Gasperin, were freed last week.
In her statement, Meloni thanked Venezuela's authorities, starting from interim President Delcy Rodriguez, "for the constructive cooperation demonstrated in recent days."
(Reporting by Alvise Armellini; Editing by Giulia Segreti and Michael Perry)
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela frees two more Italians, says Italian Prime Minister
1What is humanitarian aid?
Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to crises such as natural disasters or conflicts, aimed at saving lives, alleviating suffering, and maintaining human dignity.
2What is a foreign national?
A foreign national is a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are residing or present. They may have different rights and obligations compared to citizens.
3What are human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They include the right to life, freedom of expression, and equality before the law.
4What is a prisoner release?
A prisoner release refers to the act of freeing individuals who have been incarcerated, often as part of a legal process or as a gesture of goodwill by authorities.
