15 October 2025 marks 11 months since our Italian colleague Alberto Trentini and Venezuelan driver Rafael Ubiel Hernández Machado were detained by the authorities in Caracas while traveling to an HI project in Apure State. We continue to express our deep concern and to call for clarity on their situation and respect for their fundamental rights.
Encouraging recent developments
In September 2025, a representative of the Italian Embassy in Caracas was able to meet Alberto in detention — the first consular visit since his arrest in November 2024. This long-awaited meeting was an important step that allowed direct communication between Alberto and Italian authorities. According to public sources, the visit lasted about 30 minutes and made it possible to deliver personal letters and essential items from his family.
On 9 October, he was able to call his parents for only the third time in nearly 11 months. HI welcomes these latest developments and expresses appreciation to all those who continue to work tirelessly to ensure Alberto and Rafael’s well-being and their release.
11 months of uncertainty
Since November 2024, Alberto and Rafael have been held without a clear public explanation of the reasons for their detention. Their families and colleagues continue to await transparent information about their situation and legal status. HI reiterates its trust in ongoing diplomatic dialogue and cooperation with all relevant authorities to achieve a peaceful and lawful resolution of this case. We will continue to stand in solidarity with Alberto and Rafael, and to support every effort toward their safe return home.
Keep supporting Alberto and Rafael
HI calls on everyone to stay engaged:
- Share HI’s call for their release on social media with the hashtags #FreeAlberto and #FreeRafael;
- Continue to sign and share the petition on Change.org, launched by Alberto’s relatives, now supported by over 110,000 people.
HI in Venezuela
HI implements protection and inclusion projects for the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, adolescents, women, and people with disabilities. Our teams currently work in the regions of Amazonas, Apure, and Delta Amacuro, focusing on health, mental health, rehabilitation, and economic inclusion, in close collaboration with local partners and authorities.
