Video. Venice protest calls for release of aid worker held in Venezuela

Around 50 boats sailed along Venice’s Grand Canal on Sunday in a protest to demand the release of Alberto Trentini, a 45-year-old Italian aid worker who has been detained in Venezuela since November 2024. 

Trentini, affiliated with the NGO Humanity & Inclusion, was arrested at a checkpoint while traveling from Caracas to Guasdalito. Since then, he has been held without formal charges and his family has had no direct contact with him.

The Italian government, including Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, has summoned Venezuela’s chargé d’affaires to protest the lack of information regarding Trentini’s detention. 

The European Parliament has also expressed concern over his arbitrary detention.

Recent reports suggest that Trentini is in good health, but his family remains anxious due to the prolonged lack of communication.