Seven months without official news from Alberto and Rafael
On 15 November, Alberto Trentini, an Italian HI employee, and Rafael Ubiel Hernandez Machado, the Venezuelan taxi driver accompanying him, were arrested 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 and conditions of their detention. In seven months, very little news has reached us about Alberto's state of health, and none about Rafael's.
HI has been working tirelessly for seven months to obtain explanations for their detention and to secure their release, involving various consular authorities, as well as international and intergovernmental organisations. We will not stop until Alberto and Rafael are safe with their families, that is why we call for citizen mobilisation to obtain their release.
Let's mobilise for the release of Alberto and Rafael!
On 15 June, Alberto and Rafael will have been held by the Venezuelan authorities for seven months without charge. HI is calling on everyone to take action, by sharing the association's appeal for their release 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 105 000 signatures.
Every voice counts to secure their release.
HI in Venezuela: HI implements protection projects for the most vulnerable populations, in particular children, adolescents, women and people with disabilities. The organisation is currently running health, mental health, rehabilitation and economic inclusion projects in the regions of Amazonas, Apure, Delta Amacuro and Monagas. We work on site in collaboration with local partners, other humanitarian organisations and the local authorities.
