Alex Saab, one of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s closest friends, was released by the Biden administration in exchange for 10 Americans jailed in Venezuela. Saab, jailed in 2020 for money laundering, is closely tied to Maduro.
Diverse Fates: Americans Freed and International Figures Pursued in High-Stakes Diplomatic Exchange
Six unlawfully arrested Americans were released under the arrangement. Joseph Cristella, Eyvin Hernandez, Jerrel Kenemore, Savoi Wright, and two more are notable. The administration has withheld the identity of the remaining four Americans to safeguard their privacy.
Venezuela will also arrest and extradite Leonard Francis, a Malaysian businessman suspected of robbing the U.S. of tens of millions through bribes and military vessel overcharging. Francis hid in Venezuela from U.S. authorities.
The Biden administration released 10 Americans from Venezuela in exchange for President Maduro’s close supporter Alex Saab in a tricky diplomatic maneuver. Meanwhile, Maduro released 20 Venezuelan political detainees, including opposition party member Roberto Abdul, who was charged with treason this month.
READ ALSO: Biden administration releases ally of Venezuela’s Maduro in exchange for jailed Americans
Political Discord: Bipartisan Criticism Emerges as Lawmakers React to Biden’s Venezuela Diplomacy
Florida Republican Marco Rubio called this complex interaction “shameless” and New Jersey Democrat Robert Menendez called President Biden’s negotiations with Maduro “unconscionable.”
This complex diplomatic dance shows how justice, human rights, and politics interact. Due to the complexity of balancing foreign interests, such negotiations can divide politicians and the public.
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