(Adnkronos) – A total 39 MEPS including from Italy’s governing Brothers of Italy party and from the opposition Democrats, Greens and Left Alliance and Five-Star Movement on Wednesday urged Venezuela’s authorities to release jailed aid Italian aid worker Alberto Trentini.
The European Parliament members have signed an appeal urging Venezuela’s government to carry out “an act of humanity” in freeing Trentini, who has been held in prison without trial for over a year.
“We believe that the constant pursuit of peace and detente, the protection of human life, the rejection of any escalation (of tensions) are a cultural heritage also shared by the peoples of Latin America and the people of Venezuela,” the MEPs wrote.
“We address an appeal to the authorities of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, with respect for the country’s sovereignty, but with equal firmness in recalling the universal values of human rights, we ask for an act of humanity: the release of Alberto Trentini.”
Coming at a time of tension between the US and Venezuela, Trentini’s release would be “a gesture of clemency and openness” which “would have a profound meaning,” wrote the MEPs.
“It would be perceived as a sign of willingness to dialogue, a contribution to building a calmer and more cooperative climate: a step that responds to a call for peace with a concrete gesture of peace.”
Trentini, who works for the Humanity and Inclusion NGO, was arrested at a checkpoint while travelling from Venezuela’ capital to the southeast city of Guasdalito on 15 November last year.
Since then, Trentini, who suffers from hypertension, has been held at prison in Guatire, on the outskirts of Caracas and has had scarce contact with his family, who are gravely concerned for his welfare.
Rome claims it is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the release of Trentini and other Italian political prisoners. Trentini’s mother earlier this month accused the government of inaction, however, pointing out that until August, there had been no contact with Caracas.
