The President of the United States, Joe Biden, announced this Wednesday (20) the release of a Venezuelan prisoner.
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In exchange, Venezuela released 10 Americans. The agreement was made between the two governments.
As a result, Alex Saab, the freed Venezuela, is identified as an important ally of President Nicolás Maduro. He was arrested in the United States for money laundering in 2020.
The agreement represents the most audacious initiative by the US government to improve relations with Venezuela and obtain concessions from Maduro.
It is worth remembering that the release of American prisoners (the largest in Venezuelan history) comes weeks after the Biden administration agreed to lift some sanctions, following a commitment from Maduro and the opposition to work towards free and fair conditions for the 2024 presidential elections in Venezuela.
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Saab’s arrest by the US had been considered a trophy by Washington at the time. U.S. officials told the Associated Press that the decision to grant him clemency was difficult but essential to bringing back imprisoned Americans.
Of the 10 Americans detained in Venezuela, the Biden administration treated six as unjust arrests.
“These people have lost precious time with their loved ones, and their families have suffered every day in their absence. I am grateful that their suffering is finally over,” President Joe Biden said in a statement.
Conversely, the Venezuelan government described Saab as “a victim” of “illegal detention” and characterized his release as a “symbol of victory” achieved through the country’s “peaceful diplomacy.” The government, in a statement, urged the US to remove all sanctions against Venezuela.