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Two Italians Freed From Venezuelan Prisons Return to Rome

A coordinated intelligence operation, supported by diplomatic and Vatican channels, secured their release.

Overview

  • Alberto Trentini and Mario Burlò landed at Rome’s Ciampino airport at 8:47 a.m. on January 13 and were greeted by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.
  • Burlò described isolation, squalid cells and severely limited contact with family and lawyers, while officials said both reported no physical torture.
  • AISE director Giovanni Caravelli traveled to Caracas and flew back with the men, underscoring the intelligence service’s direct role in the post-release phase.
  • The government said 42 Italians remain detained in Venezuela, including 24 for political reasons, and pledged continued efforts to obtain their freedom.
  • The returnees thanked supporters and requested privacy with their families after roughly 423 days in detention for Trentini and about 14 months for Burlò.