Venezuela: Mobilising for the release of Alberto and Rafael

Five months without news from Alberto and Rafael

On 15 November, Alberto Trentini, an Italian HI aid worker, and Rafael Ubiel Hernandez Machado, the Venezuelan taxi driver accompanying him, were stopped at a security checkpoint on their way to one of HI’s projects in the state of Apure. Since then, they have been detained by the Venezuelan authorities without any official information on the reasons for their detention, where they are being held or their state of health.

HI has worked tirelessly to obtain explanations for their detention and to secure their release, involving various consular authorities, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations. The organisation initially favoured discretion in order to achieve a rapid diplomatic solution. Faced with a lack of answers and growing concern, the organisation is calling for public mobilisation to secure the release of Alberto and Rafael.

Let's mobilise for the release of Alberto and Rafael!

April 15th will mark five months of detention for Alberto and Rafael. HI is calling on everyone to take action, by sharing the association's appeal on social media, using the hashtags #FreeAlberto and #FreeRafael.

You can also sign and share the petition launched by Alberto's friends on Change.org, which has already attracted more than 90,000 signatures.

Every voice counts to obtain their release. 

Note: our previous appeal did not mention the detention of Rafael Ubiel Hernandez Machado. His family has now authorised us to mention him and call for his release.

HI in Venezuela: HI implements protection projects for the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, adolescents, women and people with disabilities. The organisation is currently running health, mental health, rehabilitation, economic inclusion projects in the Amazonas, Apure, Delta Amacuro and Monagas regions. We work on site in collaboration with local partners, other humanitarian organisations and the local authorities.